ONTARIO-The Ontario government says it is investing $5 million to help municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities and local organizations protect Ontario’s lands, lakes and rivers from phragmites, one of the province’s most harmful invasive plants. This investment will fund 119 projects.
“Protecting Ontario’s natural environment means taking action now against invasive species like phragmites, before they can do more damage,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “By investing $5 million in local partners, our government is moving to protect Ontario’s biodiversity, strengthen local economies and preserve the outdoor spaces that our families and communities enjoy.”
Invasive phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp. australis, European common reed) is an invasive plant causing damage to Ontario’s biodiversity, wetlands and beaches according to a factsheet from the Ontario government. Invasive Phragmites is a perennial grass that has been damaging ecosystems in Ontario for decades. It is not clear how it was transported to North America from its native home in Eurasia.
Invasive phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and out-competes native species for water and nutrients. Officials say it releases toxins from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants. While it prefers areas of standing water, its roots can grow to extreme lengths, allowing it to survive in relatively dry areas.
The Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, administered by the Invasive Species Centre and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, coordinates and supports phragmites prevention and control across Ontario. This year’s funding will support projects focused on mapping, monitoring and preventative activities.
The investment will support 119 local recipients, including:
- Kawartha Land Trust through Coordinated Phragmites Action In Kawartha
- Trent Lakes through the Coordinated Phragmites Action In Kawartha
- Niagara College, which will manage phragmites at its Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses.
- Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, which will map and manage phragmites across the watershed.
- Town of Pelham, which will treat environmentally sensitive stormwater management ponds to help control the spread of phragmites.
“Phragmites are one of the most damaging invasive plants in Ontario, threatening our wetlands, shorelines and the natural spaces that communities value,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources. “With this $5 million investment, our government is fighting invasive species, restoring affected ecosystems and protecting Ontario’s communities and natural heritage for future generations.”
Invasive species are a leading cause of biodiversity loss in Ontario, with an estimated economic impact of $3.6 billion each year across key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, tourism and outdoor recreation.
