Second Marsh is one of the last remaining wetlands in the GTA’s backyard and is a vital coastal wetland and habitat for species at risk. Oshawa City will be receiving $1,008,460 in provincial funding to strengthen the marsh’s long-term climate resilience and ecological health. To this end, Oshawa has partnered up with Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA), to support the continued restoration of the Oshawa Second Marsh.
This investment hopes to support targeted habitat restoration and enhancement initiatives that strengthen the marsh’s long-term climate resilience and ecological health.
“The Second Marsh is one of the largest coastal marshes on the north shore of Lake Ontario, providing important habitats and vital ecological services,” said Chris Darling, CAO of CLOCA. “The funding from the province supports CLOCA’s ability to continue working alongside our valued partners to advance climate resilience, improve habitats and further enhance the health of the marsh ecosystem.”
Over the next four years, CLOCA will collaborate with partners such as Ducks Unlimited Canada, Friends of Second Marsh and Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) to restore and enhance vital wetland and coastal habitats. This targeted work is designed to improve climate resilience and actively support local species at risk, including the Least Bittern, Blanding’s Turtle and American Eel.
“Oshawa Second Marsh provides critical natural infrastructure – including habitat for species at risk,” said MP Todd McCarthy. “Through the Species Conservation Program, our investment will strengthen long-term resilience and support habitat restoration for the species that depend on it. I want to thank the City of Oshawa and our conservation partners for the leadership they continue to show in protecting Durham’s natural spaces.”
The provincial funding complements the $1,614,500 investment from the Canada Water Agency through the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. Together, these investments hope to support a comprehensive and integrated restoration approach focused on species at risk and habitat enhancement and will further strengthen the long-term climate resilience and ecological integrity of Oshawa Second Marsh.
With both federal and provincial funding secured, partners will continue advancing detailed design, permitting and phased implementation of restoration activities at Oshawa Second Marsh. The restoration work has commenced as of spring 2026.
“We are grateful for the Ontario Government’s significant investment in the Oshawa Second Marsh, one of our community’s most valuable natural assets,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “This funding will help advance restoration work to support local species at risk and strengthen the marsh’s ecosystem. We thank CLOCA and its partners for this important work over the next four years.”
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