Rouge National Urban Park – Amazing Gift to Canadians
Stephen Hazell
Director of Conservation
and General Counsel
On Tuesday June 20th, Nature Canada along with CPAWS celebrated a major achievement for Rouge National Urban Park! Bill C-18 has received Royal Assent from the Governor General. This means that the ecological integrity of the park will now be the first priority in management of Rouge National Urban Park.
“We couldn’t have done it without the extraordinary leadership and commitment by Minister McKenna and her team to the park,” said Eleanor Fast, Executive Director of Nature Canada. The minister made it a priority early in her mandate to strengthen the legislation and find a path forward that includes all involved.” Ontario Nature, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and Friends of the Rouge Watershed all played important roles in achieving this legislative success.
With the implementation of this law, the Rouge National Urban Park meets the international definition of a protected area and that sets up the area for the best chance at long-term success.
The Rouge National Urban Park is home to over 1,700 species of plants and animals. As well, it is home to at least 23 species at risk, like the Blanding’s Turtle and the Bank Swallow! This area is part of the Carolinian Forest and is located in the heart of the GTA which makes it a perfect gateway for residences to enjoy nearby nature. You can read more about this special National Urban Park by visiting our blog or the joint CPAWS – Nature Canada press release.
