Ontario announces $2.8 million to restore wetlands

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SF. ANDREWS WEST — It was stiflingly hot Tuesday north of St. Andrews West at Jamink Farm, where Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin joined local dignitaries to announce nearly $3 million in support for rural landowners.

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Khanjin, who admitted it was her first time in South Stormont, announced the province is investing $2.8 million in projects led by ALUS Canada. ALUS Canada, based in Toronto, is a non-profit organization representing farmers and ranchers across the country, offering them various partnership opportunities.

The The Booijink family and founders of Jamink Farm will directly benefit from the investment as ALUS members, along with 70 other farmers in the province. The funding will support wetland restoration and enhancement on a total of 84 hectares (208 acres) of land in the watersheds of the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence and Ottawa, spanning 11 municipalities.

Khanjin praised Jamink Farm and the Booijink family of six as some of their children scooped ice cream and poured lemonade for guests under the afternoon sun.

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“I want to thank Thomas and Julia for your passion for sustainable and regenerative farming practices. When you bring food from farm gate to plate, it’s amazing for all Ontarians. Really understand that preserving and protecting your land today will actually provide benefits for future generations and lead to vibrant rural communities,” said Khanjin.

Khanjin spoke about the many benefits of wetlands and how the Ontario government has committed a total of $11 million this year to Wetlands Conservation Partner Program.

SALUS Canada Senior Director of Communications Nadine Mercure thanked local partners Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) and Ducks Unlimited Canada for their assistance in implementing the program.

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“As a farmer myself … I appreciate and recognize the positive environmental impact this investment will have for generations to come,” said Ontario Federation of Agriculture Director Andrea McCoy-Naperstkow.

South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis, who is also RRCA board chair, commended ALUS Canada for its investment in Eastern Ontario.

scratch Booijink thanked everyone involved in the future development of a wetlands conservation area on their property, which will be approximately 0.4 hectares (one acre) in size and will serve to enhance water quality, flood and drought mitigation and increasing the natural biodiversity of their property.

“(Booijink family) he really cares about their farm. This will be a big plus not only for their farm but also for the whole region,” he said Deputy Minister for Forests and Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn.

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