Harper Government Invests in Recreational Fisheries Conservation Projects In Wellington-Halton Hills

HALTON HILLS, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 31, 2015) - Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, highlighted today the Government of Canada's investment in the Grand River Habitat Enhancement Project. Through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP), the Grand River Conservation Authority will receive $25,500 to support the conservation of fish habitat in the Grand River watershed.

As part of the National Conservation Plan, the RFCPP was created to restore Canada's waterways and to support the sustainability and ongoing productivity of our recreational fisheries. Given its success in ensuring a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country, and high demand, the Government of Canada increased the investment in the Economic Action Plan 2014 to a total of $25 million.

The Grand River Conservation Authority will contribute to the conservation and restoration of our country's natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. Under the third round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $1.2 million has been made available for 14 projects in Ontario.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country's natural environment. Details about the program can be found on the RFCPP Web site where you can also sign up for updates.

Quick Facts

• Shad Dam, constructed in 1942, regulates the flow of the Grand River downstream from the structure. Geomorphic changes to the river since that time, however, have impacted the over-winter and over-summer habitats of Brown trout, Pike, Smallmouth bass and Walleye.
• This project will deepen the pool just below the Elora Gorge by excavating substrate which will then be sorted and re-added to the existing bed to enhance habitat.
• The success of this project will demonstrate how this type of treatment can be used in other areas of the Grand River watershed to restore areas where there is poor river structure and associated fish habitat.
• Since the launch of the program, almost $16 million has already been invested in more than 280 projects across Canada.
• Under the first round, the program approved $5.9 million for 94 projects undertaken between 2013 and 2015.
• Under the second round, the program committed up to $5.5 million to 128 projects undertaken between 2014 and 2015.
• Under the third round of the RFCPP, up to $6.8M was committed for over 80 projects to be undertaken nationally between 2014 and 2016.
• Applications from Round Four are currently being evaluated. Funding decisions are expected in early spring.

Quotes

"The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program allows our Government to support an important economic sector while also ensuring sustainable fisheries. I would like to congratulate the proponents who applied under the first rounds of this program. Our Government is proud to support their work, which will benefit Canadian communities for years to come."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"Over the last 80 years, the Grand River Conservation Authority has been instrumental in restoring the Grand River watershed and its fish habitat. The federal government too recognizes the importance of restoring and protecting fish habitat. That's why we established the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. This program helping the GRCA to further protect and restore fish habitat in the Grand River watershed."

Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills

"The Grand River Tailwater is one of the best recognized brown trout fishing rivers in Canada. The Grand River Enhancement Project is identified as a 'best bet' in the Grand River Fisheries Management Plan that will result in adding richness to the fishery and the health of the river with benefits for residents and visitor alike."

Crystal Allan, Natural Heritage Supervisor, Grand River Conservation Authority