Jordan – The Ontario government is investing $2 million to help municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities and local organizations stop the spread of harmful invasive species. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s economy and biodiversity, this investment through the Invasive Species Action Fund will support 112 projects, create over 160 good-paying local jobs and engage more than 3,000 volunteers to manage and prevent invasives species across the province.
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, is welcoming a local investment through the provincial program for the Invasive Species Centre to support a Lake Ontario Surveillance Project managed by Landscape Ontario. The local grant will enable Landscape Ontario to expand early detection and monitoring efforts for emerging invasive forest and nursery pests across Niagara, including spotted lanternfly, hemlock woolly adelgid, beech leaf disease, oak wilt and elm zigzag sawfly.
“This provincial funding for the early detection of forest and nursery pests in Niagara – in partnership with the Invasive Species Centre and Landscape Ontario – is critical to protecting our regional land and water resources from invasive species,” said MPP Oosterhoff.
“This investment will not only protect our natural environment but support our local grape and wine industry and other agricultural commodities, as well as preserving green space and agritourism attractions in our region.”
“The best way to protect Ontario from invasive species is by preventing them from spreading,” said Hon. Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources.
“That is why our government continues to invest and give communities the tools they need to keep our waterways and forests safe for families across Ontario to enjoy.”
Invasive species impact lakes, land, forests and communities, and are the second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide. Ontario has the highest number of invasive species in Canada, which are responsible for an estimated $3.6 billion dollars of impact each year to forestry, fisheries, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism and recreation in the province. They often limit access to outdoor spaces and common recreation such as swimming, boating and hiking, and in some cases, even pose a risk to human health.
“The Invasive Species Centre is proud to partner with the Ministry of Natural Resources to empower community action across Ontario,” said Colin Cassin, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre.
“These projects build the knowledge, partnerships and capacity needed to address invasive species now and protect our lands and waters into the future.”
The Ontario government has committed $16 million over three years to fight against the spread of invasive species. Since 2024, these funds have supported 213 invasive species management projects, created 254 jobs and engaged 6,749 volunteers.
By working with growers, garden centres, industry partners and government agencies, Landscape Ontario is building a network of trained professionals and citizen scientists equipped to identify and report invasive pests, helping to improve early detection, inform management strategies and protect forests, nurseries and landscapes in Ontario.
The Invasive Species Centre prevents the introduction and spread of high-risk invasive species across the province by connecting stakeholders with knowledge and technology. Incorporated in 2011, the centre is a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing and respected partner and leader in invasive species science, education and action.