Boost for Bruce Trail: $2.4M to expand Niagara Escarpment’s green corridor
Summary
The Bruce Trail Conservancy is set to expand an important ecological corridor along the Niagara Escarpment, spanning across 23 municipalities, including Halton.The federal government will be giving an additional $2.4 million to the conservancy through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. This initiative aligns with Canadas conservation goals to reduce emissions and protect 30 per cent of the nations land and water by 2030.This funding is going to allow us to protect more land along the Niagara Escarpment, but also to continue the connectivity of the Bruce Trail, said Michael McDonald, CEO of the Bruce Trail Conservancy.Speaking at Kelso Conservation Area in Milton Wednesday (Nov. 13) with Milton MP Adam van Koeverden and Burlington MP Karina Gould, McDonald compared completing the Bruce Trail to assembling a big puzzle piece.There are missing gaps all the way here from Queenston to Tobermory. And then the second part thats really important is that the connectivity of the Bruce Trail on this ecological quarter will be strengthened because of this funding, and thats going to allow us to boost the ecosystem values all along the Niagara Escarpment, said McDonald.Previously, the government provided $5 million to the conservancy as part of a broader $5 billion investment in the Natural Climate Solutions Fund over 10 years (20212031).The historic funding, according to van Koeverden whos also parliamentary secretary to the minister of environment and climate change demonstrates a significant commitment to climate action.Our policies will not only help restore and protect our natural heritage, but theyll also create jobs and boost our economy. For the first time in our countrys history, weve successfully decoupled economic growth from emissions. Our pollution is going down while our economy continues to grow, van Koeverden said.Gould, who also serves as leader of the government in the House of Commons, noted the importance of preserving natural spaces near urban areas recognizing their value for mental health, community resilience and ecosystem health.