Hamilton Conservation Foundation (HCF), the fundraising partner to the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), is proud to announce a transformational gift of $6,075,000 from Heritage Green Community Trust (HGCT) in support of the Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project.
The gift, the largest in Hamilton Conservation Foundation’s history, will support the construction of the third wetland within the Saltfleet Conservation Area and the future design and construction of a new visitor and environmental education centre.
Located above the Niagara Escarpment in Upper Stoney Creek, the Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project is one of the largest environmental restoration initiatives in the Hamilton area. Once complete, the project will include four wetlands across more than 411 acres of conservation lands. The wetlands will help reduce the risk of downstream flooding and erosion, improve water quality, create habitat for wildlife, and provide expanded trails and outdoor recreation opportunities for the community.
Even in the early phases of restoration, wildlife is already returning to the area. Frog and toad species, waterfowl, native plants and animals are beginning to re-establish within the restored landscape, offering an early glimpse of the long-term environmental legacy the project will leave for Hamilton and future generations.
“This is a legacy project that will benefit Hamilton residents and the environment for generations to come,” said Margaret Reid, Chair of Heritage Green Community Trust. “HGCT has proudly supported the Saltfleet project from the beginning because of its long-term environmental and community impact. Restoring wetlands, protecting natural areas, and creating opportunities for people to connect with nature aligns strongly with our mission and values.”
The new funding will support the construction of the third wetland area near Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area. Detailed design and archaeological work are currently underway, with the project anticipated to proceed to tender in late 2026 and construction beginning in 2027. The construction of the proposed 54-acre wetland site will include creating a berm and grading to create the extent of the wetland area, native plantings, ecological restoration work, new trail connections to the Dofasco 2000 Trail, and associated site improvements.
The gift will also support the redevelopment of the former market building on site into a visitor and environmental education hub. Plans for the new visitor centre include environmental education space, interpretive displays, accessible washrooms, office space, upgraded parking, and new site amenities designed to support public access and learning opportunities. Design and preliminary site works are anticipated to begin in 2027.
Visitor Centre Rendering
“This extraordinary contribution represents a major milestone for the Saltfleet Conservation Area and Hamilton Conservation Foundation,” said Amanda Martin, Executive Director of Hamilton Conservation Foundation. “HGCT has been an incredible partner in helping bring this vision to life. Their continued support has played a critical role in advancing wetland restoration, conservation, and public access opportunities within this important landscape. We would not be where we are today without their phenomenal support.”
Including this announcement, Heritage Green Community Trust has now committed more than $10 million toward the Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project, including previous support for land acquisition and earlier phases of wetland restoration work.
“The scale of this project and the level of community support behind it demonstrate what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and long-term environmental vision,” said Brad Clark, HCA Board Chair. “These wetlands are designed to function as natural infrastructure, helping to reduce the risk of downstream flooding and erosion, improve water quality, restore habitat, and strengthen climate resilience within the watershed, while creating lasting environmental and community benefits for future generations.”
The Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project has been made possible through the support of community partners, donors, conservation supporters, and multiple levels of government.
