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NVCA continues wetland protection efforts with recent 100-acre acquisition

September 10, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority has acquired 40 hectares (100 acres) in the heart of the Minesing Wetlands, adding another important piece to more than 60 years of conservation efforts to protect one of Southern Ontario’s most significant and largest wetland systems.

As a Ramsar Wetland of International Significance, Minesing Wetlands is an internationally recognized ecological area and a regional biodiversity hotspot. It provides critical habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, offers exceptional opportunities for bird watching and paddling, and provides important natural benefits to communities throughout the Nottawasaga watershed.

Beyond its ecological and recreational value, Minesing Wetlands functions as important natural infrastructure. The wetland filters pollutants and nutrients while absorbing and storing excess water during heavy rainfall, spring snowmelt, and periods of high groundwater.

By slowing and storing water, Minesing Wetlands helps reduce peak flows and contributes to flood protection for downstream communities, including Wasaga Beach.

For upstream communities, the wetland helps reduce erosion by slowing the movement and reducing the volume of water entering downstream rivers and streams.

These natural functions provide significant environmental and community benefits, helping to build watershed resilience while protecting communities and infrastructure from the impacts of flooding and erosion.

“This acquisition is another example of what can be accomplished through a long-term commitment to conservation,” said Kyra Howes, director of conservation services with NVCA. “Minesing Wetlands was not protected all at once. It has been built piece by piece, property by property, through the efforts of many organizations, landowners and conservation partners. Each protected property strengthens this interconnected landscape and helps ensure the wetland continues to provide its ecological and community benefits well into the future.”

NVCA has been working to secure the core of Minesing Wetlands for more than 60 years. Over that time, NVCA has worked with numerous conservation partners, including the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada, to protect portions of the wetland.

“Minesing Wetlands is one of the great natural gems of our watershed,” said Jonathan Scott, NVCA chair. “This acquisition may be a small piece of the larger Minesing puzzle, but every piece matters. By protecting these lands today, we are helping ensure that the wetland can continue providing flood protection and critical benefits to wildlife, the environment and our communities for generations to come.”

NVCA encourages landowners within Minesing Wetlands and in the watershed to consider the long-term future of their properties.

If you are interested in exploring options for conserving your land, NVCA staff are available to have a conversation about the opportunities available. 

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