Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is pleased to announce that it has secured an additional $232,389.00 from Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Canada Nature Fund. This fund supports the protection of Canada’s biodiversity by creating protected and conserved areas and initiatives that help recover species at risk.
The additional financial support has been provided towards the cost of a 95.38-acre parcel acquired on Tapleytown Road, which HCA acquired in December 2023. This was the last parcel of land required to finalize the Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Project, with over 411 acres now secured. Four wetlands will ultimately be built to help mitigate the impacts of climate change and provide trails and recreational opportunities.
HCA has received federal funding through the program totalling $1,482,389.00. Scott Peck, Deputy CAO/Director of Watershed Management Services, expressed his gratitude for the continued support and emphasized the significance of this funding for the Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Project:
“This funding represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance, restore and create critical habitat for species at risk and protect these future wetland ecosystems. By securing support for this final parcel of land, the project can progress to its completion stage. The wetlands will reduce the impacts of flooding and erosion below the Niagara Escarpment in Stoney Creek and further the long-term vision of the entire Saltfleet Conservation Area, which will provide new natural areas and associated habitats and trails connecting these natural areas. We are deeply grateful for the support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change and remain committed to working collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to achieve our conservation goals and lasting positive change for the environment and future generations.”
As the Saltfleet Conservation Area wetlands are developed, work will continue in the area, including naturalizing it and completing initiatives in the master plan.
