Ontario announces $2.8 million towards wetlands restoration

ST. ANDREWS WEST — It was sweltering hot on Tuesday north of St. Andrews West at the Jamink Farm where Ontario Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin was joined by local dignitaries to announce almost $3 million in support for rural landowners.

 Khanjin, who admitted it was her first time in South Stormont, announced the province is investing $2.8 million in projects led by ALUS Canada. ALUS Canada, headquartered in Toronto, is a non-profit organization representing farmers and ranchers across the country, offering them various partnership opportunities.

The Booijink family and founders of Jamink Farm will directly benefit from the investment as ALUS members, along with 70 other farmers across the province. The funding will support restoration and enhancement of wetlands on a total of 84 hectares (208 acres) of land in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, and Ottawa river watersheds, spanning 11 municipalities.

Khanjin praised the Jamink Farm and the Booijink family of six, as some of their children scooped ice cream and poured lemonade for guests under the afternoon sun.