Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), in partnership with the City of Hamilton, has been awarded $789,580 in funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund (GMF) Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative. This funding will support the vital flood and erosion wetland restoration project at Saltfleet Conservation Area, enhancing climate resilience and protecting local infrastructure.
This funding is part of a broader investment of $30 million from the Green Municipal Fund and the Government of Canada to support 30 climate adaptation projects, 17 feasibility studies, and 34 partner grant recipients across Canada. LLCA aims to help municipalities adapt to climate risks, improve public safety, and reduce long-term costs.
“We are providing this funding to the Hamilton Conservation Authority that will support smart, forward-looking investments to restore vital wetlands, reduce erosion, and protect essential infrastructure. Investments like this will help build stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities, improving the quality of life for Canadians now and for generations to come,” said the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
“HCA is committed to working with its partners, like the City of Hamilton, to building a more climate-resilient future,” said Scott Peck, HCA’s Director of Watershed Management Services. “This funding will enable us to restore critical wetland areas that mitigate flooding, reduce erosion, and enhance biodiversity in our community.”
“I want to thank the Hamilton Conservation Authority for being a champion in protecting our natural environment and their commitment towards a cleaner, greener and more liveable community,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “Council is pleased to partner with our local Conservation Authority on this project that closely aligns with our Term of Council Priority focusing on the protection of Hamilton’s unique natural landscape and waterways, and efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
“Municipalities are on the front lines of climate change. The impacts of extreme weather, such as flooding, are proving more and more destructive each year,” said Rebecca Bligh, FCM President. “Leveraging funding from our Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative, the Hamilton Conservation Authority is building a more secure community that will be better equipped to withstand the potentially devastating impact of flooding.”
The Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing flooding and erosion in the Stoney Creek area of Hamilton. Initiated in response to severe rainstorms and community concerns, the project involves creating four new wetlands and establishing a new conservation area. This nature-based solution is more cost-effective and environmentally beneficial than previous grey infrastructure proposals. By 2023, HCA had acquired the necessary 411 acres of land, and the project is set to be completed by 2030. The wetlands will enhance natural habitats, provide recreational opportunities, and improve the quality of life for Hamilton residents.
The Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project aligns with the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative’s goal of implementing practical, nature-based solutions to address priority climate risks. Through projects like this, municipalities can take decisive action to protect local communities from the increasing impacts of climate change while delivering long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Since 2000, GMF has supported over 2,300 projects nationwide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes and contributing $1.24 billion to Canada’s GDP.
For more information about the Saltfleet Wetland Restoration Project and HCA’s conservation initiatives, please visit:
https://conservationhamilton.ca/saltfleet-conservation-area-wetland-restoration-program/
About the LLCA initiative
The Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) initiative is a $530 million program provided through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund that aims to accelerate local, equity-informed climate adaptation action by supporting knowledge development and project implementation across 1,400 municipalities.
LLCA is funded through the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan and is a key component of the National Adaptation Strategy. LLCA is Canada’s second largest funding source helping municipalities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
