Harper Government Invests In Local Recreational Fisheries Conservation Project

HOLLAND LANDING, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 19, 2014) - The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that, under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will provide up to $77,000 to the Drainage Investment Group to conserve fish habitat in the Holland River.

The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 to support fisheries habitat restoration projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations. Given its early success and high demand, an additional investment in Economic Action Plan 2014 increased the funding available through the program to a total investment of $25 million.

On May 15, 2014, the National Conservation Plan was launched to provide a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country's natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. To date, the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program has invested nearly $6 million (Round I), in 94 fisheries habitat restoration projects across Canada and funding to support up to an additional 127 projects (Round II) is currently underway.

Quick Facts

• Improvement of fish habitat along the West Holland River through the design and construction of littoral shelves to ultimately reduce sedimentation and phosphorus inputs into the river and therefore improve water quality in Lake Simcoe.
  
  
• Under the first round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $1.2 million had been made available for 16 projects in Ontario.
  
  
• Up to $5.5 million for 127 projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II has been approved nationally.
  
  

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to the protection and clean-up of Lake Simcoe and the surrounding watershed. Today we have taken yet another step to support the individuals and organizations who are working to help the lake. Recreational fishing in Lake Simcoe is enjoyed by thousands of visitors and residents. It builds an appreciation of the value of our local environment. This project will benefit our community for years to come."

- The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe