BRAMPTON — The Ontario government is providing $74,605 in funding through the Species at Risk Stewardship program to the City of Brampton to undertake on-the- ground work to protect species at risk in their communities.
The Species at Risk Stewardship Program promotes strong environmental stewardship by providing funding for species at risk protection, recovery and research projects by individuals, communities and groups across the province.
“The Heart Lake Turtle Troopers have done an amazing job to rescue and protect our local turtle population,” said Graham McGregor, MPP for Brampton North. “It has been my privilege to work closely with this committed volunteer run organization where I have made some incredible friends. That is why I am so thrilled to announce today that our government will be partnering with the city and the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers to come together and provide our turtles with a safer home at Loafer’s Lake.”
Led by the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers, this project protects Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) inhabiting Loafer’s Lake and the surrounding area by implementing on-the- ground restoration actions such as installing nesting beaches to enhance their habitat.
“Every day, dedicated local and community organizations across Ontario demonstrate their commitment to protecting and recovering plants, insects, animals and their habitats,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Our government is proud to partner with grassroots organizations across Ontario to make a real impact. The 2023-24 projects continue Ontario’s track record of strong environmental stewardship, preserving the rich biodiversity of our province for future generations.”
QUOTES
“We are thrilled that the City of Brampton is a successful recipient of funding from the Provincial 2023/24 Species at Risk Stewardship Program, through the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, in the amount of $74,605. This funding will support important work in our efforts to protect the environment and delicate ecosystem
for snapping turtles at Loafers Lake. The project will be a collaboration with TRCA and Heart Lake Turtle Troopers, dedicated organizations that have championed this cause in our community. Thank you to MPP Graham Mcgregor for being a champion of this important ecological protection project.”
- Mayor Patrick Brown City of Brampton
“The Heart Lake Turtle Troopers are thrilled about this project. The Species at Risk Stewardship Program funding provided will help protect vulnerable species in our region. The announcement today demonstrates true collaboration that we are very proud to be a part of.” - Lori Leckie
Heart Lake Turtle Troopers
“The City of Brampton is pleased to be a recipient of the 2023/24 Species at Risk Stewardship Program funding. In addition to supporting a crucial habitat restoration project for snapping turtles at Loafers Lake, this initiative is an example of collaborative efforts between multiple levels of government and local community groups. The Heart lake Turtle Troopers have dedicated a lot of time and effort on the ground towards protecting the ecosystem and we thank them for their continued commitment as they, in partnership with TRCA, work on this restoration project.” - Councillor Michael Palleschi
Brampton Regional Councillor Wards 2 and 6
“The revitalization of the Snapping turtle habitat at Loafer’s Lake is vital to maintaining the biodiversity in our city. The Turtle Troopers have been doing positive groundwork to protect our at-risk species and this funding through the stewardship program will bolster their cause and help them achieve their restoration goals.” - Councillor Navjit Kaur Brar
Brampton Regional Councillor Wards 2 and 6
“The Brampton Environmental Alliance is pleased by today’s announcement by Minister Piccini to provide much needed funding that will help restore the shoreline of Loafers Lake and build new turtle nesting habitat in the adjacent area. While we have been and continue to be critical of aspects of Provincial environmental policy, this announcement is a positive step, recognizing the value and importance of protection and restoration of urban natural habitat, especially for endangered species and species at risk. Thanks to Minister Piccini for making this announcement and to Graham McGregor MPP Brampton North for championing this initiative.”
QUICK FACTS
• Since 2018, the Species at Risk Stewardship Program has supported over 200 projects. The projects have contributed to the restoration of over 13,590 acres of habitat for species at risk, equal to the size of 31,160 hockey rinks combined. The program has also engaged approximately 8,000 volunteers in conservation efforts and created over 1,000 jobs.
• Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species of plants, insects, fish and wildlife.
Media Contact
Graham.mcgregor@pc.ola.org
289 298-1049
