Algoma District receives more than $168,000 for Great Lakes protection, restoration projects

The Ontario government has earmarked more than $168,000 for six projects in the Algoma District aimed at protecting and restoring coastal and shoreline areas of the Great Lakes. 

A total of 44 community-based projects across the province were approved for more than $1.9 million in funding through the Great Lakes Local Action Fund for both the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 fiscal year.

The following is a brief rundown of projects receiving funding in the Algoma District:

• Garden River First Nation receives $46,047 for revitalizing and protecting First Nation ecotourism and lands through the creation of an elevated boardwalk within Ojibway Park to stimulate eco-tourism solutions while protecting the Great Lakes wetlands
• Invasive Species Centre receives $49,744 to increase community awareness and engagement surrounding active invasive species reduction and monitoring in multiple watersheds
• Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy receives $49,987 for the development Francis Hilb Preserve Wetland Boardwalk and Woodland Trail in order to provide public access to a rare wetland in Goulais Bay with a new boardwalk, trail and educational opportunities 
• NORDIK Institute receives $50,000 for a community-based monitoring pilot for Garden River and St. Marys Area of Concern, which aims to bring Indigenous and Western ways of knowing together by training Indigenous community members to monitor water quality that will inform local and regional water management in the St. Marys River Area of Concern
• Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre receives $15,660 for a “hands-on activity for the local youth and community” where 400 shrubs will be planted along the Thessalon River in an effort to slow down erosion. In addition, 375 metres of fencing will be installed in order to keep out 20 head of cattle from the river
• Township of Tarbutt and Tarbutt Additional receives $7,020 for the environmental and recreational restoration of Women’s Institute Park in Tarbutt Township, with the goal of improving public access to Lake Huron in the township while enhancing public awareness through signage and web-based activities about the ecological importance of the Great Lakes

More information about projects funded through the Great Lakes Local Action Fund can be found here.