The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), in partnership with Conservation Halton (CH), Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), Conservation Ontario (CO), and Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative proudly hosted the successful in-person launch of the Lake Ontario Coastal Resilience Pilot Project.
Held on July 22, the event brought together Indigenous representatives, elected officials, municipal leaders, and conservation professionals to celebrate the start of this multi-jurisdictional initiative aimed at strengthening the long-term resilience of Lake Ontario’s coastal communities. Attendees engaged in a day of networking, informative presentations, and meaningful dialogue that underscored the importance of collaborative coastal stewardship.
This milestone marks the local kickoff of a nationally significant effort, building on the Government of Canada’s $3.1 million investment through Natural Resources Canada’s Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities (CRCC) Program. The Lake Ontario Coastal Resilience Pilot is one of three Great Lakes projects selected to receive $1.5 million in funding under this initiative and will serve as a model for regional cooperation in the face of climate change.
Following opening remarks and formal presentations, the event continued with a focused technical working session, where project staff began mapping out the strategic direction and foundational elements of this important work. All project partners—including the Global Centre for Climate Change and Transboundary Waters affiliated with Brock University—look forward to engaging with their respective communities throughout the next four years as this important work unfolds.
The NPCA and its partners thank all attendees for their participation and enthusiasm. The event marked not only the beginning of the project, but also a renewed spirit of collaboration in the face of growing coastal challenges.
For more information about the Lake Ontario Coastal Resilience Pilot Project, please visit getinvolved.npca.ca/lakeontarioshoreline.
QUOTES
"This project is a prime example of what can be achieved when we combine regional expertise, shared challenges, and a unified commitment to action. Together with our partners, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient Lake Ontario shoreline, one that protects our communities, economies, and ecosystems for generations to come."
Leilani Lee-Yates, CAO and Secretary-Treasurer, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
"The Lake Ontario Coastal Resilience Pilot Project reflects the strategic foresight needed to tackle the complex realities of our changing climate. We are grateful for the federal support and proud to play a leadership role in this crucial effort to safeguard our coastal regions through coordinated science, planning, and policy."
John Metcalfe, Chair of the NPCA Board of Directors
“We are taking action to safeguard coastal communities most affected by climate change. The Lake Ontario Coastal Resilience Pilot project, supported by NRCan, will build knowledge and capacity to manage risk and protect the well-being of Canadians.”
The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all. NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement, and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 43 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
To learn more, please visit: www.npca.ca.
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Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jennifer McQuillan
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Mobile: 905-933-0532
jmcquillan@npca.ca
Questions about the project can be directed to:
Brendan Buggeln
Manager, Natural Hazard Management and Resiliency
bbuggeln@npca.ca