A collaborative approach to permanently protecting and connecting
natural lands at the western tip of Lake Ontario.
These forests, wetlands, grasslands, savannahs, and other natural spaces are home to over 60 species at-risk and roughly 20% of Canada’s plant life. They are pockets of nature in the heart of Canada’s densest urban area that support plants, animals, and us.
Partner owned lands provide between $112 to $232 million in habitat and ecosystem services — such as flood prevention, air and water filtration, and outdoor recreation. This value is estimated to range between $150 and $330 for each person in Hamilton and Burlington.
With help from neighbouring landowners, — EcoPark System partners are restoring ecological corridors in one of Canada’s most biodiverse and urbanized regions.
Ribbons of Green between Cootes Paradise and the Niagara Escarpment
The Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System is committed to permanently protecting and connecting natural spaces between Cootes Paradise Marsh, the Niagara Escarpment, and Hamilton Harbour.
We have been collaborating since 2009 to address a changing climate and reverse biodiversity loss at a local level. Our alliance of government and non-government agencies works with neighbours to create, maintain, and restore habitat for wildlife in one of Canada’s most biodiverse and urban areas.
Our successes include securing an additional 145 hectares of natural land and an investment of over $11 million to support partner and community on-the-ground efforts that improve wildlife habitat in the last ecological corridor without major infrastructure between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment.