BRAMPTON, ON, Aug. 20,
2024 /CNW/ - The City of
Brampton, in collaboration with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA), and Ontario Nature, is proud to announce a significant
contribution of 1,924.5 hectares of natural heritage lands towards
Canada's international commitment
to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030, commonly
referred to as the 30x30 target. This initiative marks a critical
step in safeguarding biodiversity, mitigating climate change
impacts and ensuring ecosystem sustainability.
The partnership with Ontario Nature facilitated an extensive
assessment of these lands, determining that most of Brampton's Natural Heritage System (NHS) meets
the pan-Canadian standards necessary for inclusion in the national
target. This assessment was financially supported by Environment
and Climate Change Canada and reviewed by the Ministry of
Environment, Conservation and Parks. Notable areas within this
assessment include the Claireville Conservation Area, Heart Lake
Conservation Area and Conservation Drive Park.
Brampton's NHS is a vital
network of natural features, including woodlands, valleys,
wetlands, lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. These areas provide
essential ecosystem services such as air and water purification,
biodiversity maintenance, flood reduction, recreational
opportunities and greenhouse gas absorption. In this urban setting,
the NHS also serves as a habitat for species at risk, including the
redside dace, bobolink and northern map turtle.
Brampton's commitment to the
30x30 target aligns with the Municipal Protected Areas Program
(MPAP), led by Nature Canada, which supports municipalities in
recognizing and protecting urban green spaces. This initiative
highlights how local governments can play a significant role in
achieving national and global conservation objectives, promoting
biodiversity and ecological health at the municipal level.
Collaboration between municipalities and conservation
authorities is essential for the effective management and
protection of natural areas. By working together, municipalities
like Brampton and conservation
authorities such as TRCA can leverage their expertise, resources
and local knowledge to implement sustainable practices and
policies. This partnership ensures the preservation of vital
ecosystems, enhances biodiversity and promotes resilience against
climate change.
Links
- City of Brampton | Grow Green
| Protecting Natural Heritage Systems
- City of Brampton | Grow Green
| Environmental Master Plan
- Open Maps Data Viewer (canada.ca)
Quotes
"This remarkable contribution demonstrates
Brampton's commitment to
environmental stewardship and sustainable development. By
protecting our natural heritage lands, we are not only preserving
biodiversity and mitigating climate change but also enhancing the
quality of life for our residents. This collaborative effort with
TRCA and Ontario Nature showcases the power of partnerships in
achieving national and global conservation goals."
- Patrick
Brown, Mayor, City of
Brampton
"The protection and enhancement of Brampton's natural landscapes are crucial for
our community's ecological health and resilience. This initiative
aligns with our strategic environmental policies and underscores
the importance of local action in contributing to global
conservation targets. Together with our partners, we are paving the
way for a sustainable and vibrant future."
- Navjit Kaur
Brar, Regional Councillor, Wards 2 & 6; Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Board Member
"Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority (TRCA) is proud to partner with the
City of Brampton to support
Canada's 30x30 conservation
targets and preserve natural spaces within urban environments.
These green spaces are invaluable to our communities, offering
essential services such as flood and erosion control, recreational
opportunities, and critical habitats for diverse wildlife and plant
species. This partnership demonstrates how municipalities and
conservation authorities can collaborate to achieve significant
outcomes, safeguarding biodiversity, mitigating climate change
impacts, and building sustainable communities for the future."
- John
MacKenzie, CEO, Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority
"The City of Brampton's
contribution to the 30x30 target is a shining example of municipal
leadership in conservation. This achievement highlights the vital
role that municipalities play in safeguarding our natural
landscapes for future generations. The Municipal Protected Areas
Program aims to support and amplify such efforts, demonstrating
that local actions are key to meeting our national and global
biodiversity goals."
- Dylan
Rawlyk, Organizing Manager, Nature Canada
"Ontario Nature would like to extend our congratulations to the
City of Brampton on this
significant achievement. We are proud to work with municipalities
devoted to preserving vital natural areas. Brampton's leadership sets a standard to
follow across Ontario and
beyond."
- Caroline
Schultz, Executive Director, Ontario Nature
About the City of
Brampton
As one of the fastest-growing cities in
Canada, Brampton is home to nearly 700,000 people and
more than 100,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything
we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract
investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological
and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a
healthy city that is safe, sustainable, and successful. Connect
with us on X (Formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Learn more at www.brampton.ca
About Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority
Since 1957, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA), as enabled through the provincial Conservation Authorities
Act, has taken action to enhance our region's natural environment
and protect our land, water, and communities from the impacts of
flooding and increasingly extreme weather events – Ontario's leading cause of public
emergencies.
As the region's first line of defence against natural
hazards, TRCA maintains vital infrastructure and provides programs
and services that promote public health and safety, protecting
people and property.
TRCA mobilizes a science-based approach to provide sound policy
advice, leveraging its position as a not-for-profit operating in
the broader public sector to achieve collective impacts within our
communities and across all levels of government.
TRCA's jurisdiction includes nine watersheds and their
Lake Ontario shorelines, spanning
six upper-tier and fifteen lower-tier municipalities and
representing almost five million people, approximately 10% of
Canada's population.
To learn more about TRCA, visit trca.ca.
About Ontario Nature
Ontario Nature protects wild
species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public
engagement. A charitable organization, Ontario Nature represents
more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 150 member groups
across Ontario.
SOURCE Ontario Nature