THUNDER BAY —The City of Thunder Bay is one of the beneficiaries of a federal investment in projects designed to improve the water quality and ecosystem of the Great Lakes.
Environment and Climate Change Canada recently announced funding for dozens of partner-led projects as part of the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative.
Several of these projects involve local and area groups focused on improving designated "areas of concern" around Lake Superior.
Thunder Bay has been allocated $200,000 for habitat restoration around the Pool 6 site.
According to the description of the project, it will create new shoreline and wetland habitat features, and will incorporate green infrastructure and low-impact projects into the redevelopment of the eight-hectare property.
No further details were available Monday from city officials, who are still waiting for a signed agreement from the government.
Elsewhere in the city, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is receiving $70,000 to rehabilitate the shoreline habitat and remove invasive species along the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway near Waterford Street.
In the region, the Red Rock Indian band will get $60,000 to support its involvement in decision-making about the Nipigon Bay area of concern, Jackfish Bay area of concern (in recovery) and the Lake Superior lakewide action and management plan.
The government also announced funding to groups working to increase public engagement through community participation in "citizen science."
The largest amount, $750,000, goes to the Métis Nation of Ontario to engage its members on Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health issues.
MNO will also conduct water quality monitoring, implement stewardship activities, and coordinate Métis participation in Great Lakes governance processes.
