Funds will be used to manage and operate the 21 square kilometres of new lands
recently committed to Rouge National Urban Park
August 1, 2015 Greater Toronto Area, Ontario Parks Canada
Today, Paul Calandra, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and for Intergovernmental Affairs and Member of Parliament for Oak Ridges—Markham, and Corneliu Chisu, Member of Parliament for Pickering-Scarborough East, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced a significant new investment in Rouge National Urban Park. The Government of Canada is contributing an additional $26.8 million over six years and $3 million annually thereafter to operate and manage the 21 square kilometres of new lands recently announced by the Prime Minister on July 11, 2015.
The new lands, located in the City of Pickering and Township of Uxbridge, include a diverse mix of natural, cultural and agricultural lands. The park’s expansion will increase the boundaries of Canada’s first national urban park by more than 36 per cent, making it one of the largest and best protected urban parks in the world, spanning 79.5 square kilometres once fully established.
Parks Canada will use the additional funding for the conservation and restoration of the Rouge’s natural, cultural and agricultural resources and the protection and recovery of endangered species as well as to manage and improve existing facilities and develop new educational and visitor facilities, build trails, expand the park’s law enforcement capacity, in addition to investing in community stewardship initiatives and visitor opportunities.
With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada’s full investment dating back to 2012 now totals $170.5 million over 10 years for Rouge National Urban Park’s establishment and protection, and $10.6 million annually for its continuing management and operation.
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
