Future Halifax Wilderness Park gets $1 million boost from Government of Canada

NCC aiming to complete urban conservation project this fall

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (August 20, 2019) – The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is closer to creating a new public park and nature reserve in Halifax thanks to a $1 million contribution from the Government of Canada.  The contribution was announced today by Member of Parliament for Halifax Andy Fillmore and Nova Scotia program director for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Craig Smith.

Spearheaded by NCC and the local community, and in partnership with Halifax Regional Municipality and Shaw Group Ltd, the Halifax Wilderness Park project will conserve forest, wetlands and habitat for more than 40 species of birds, while providing nature-based recreation opportunities just five kilometres from downtown Halifax. The future 153 hectare (379 acre) park will be twice the size of Halifax’s Point Pleasant Park, will include a network of rugged trails and access to two lakes, and will protect a rare jack pine/broom crowberry ecosystem that is unique to Nova Scotia.

With the federal funding announced today through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) the $8 million wilderness park project now has support from all three levels of government.  Halifax Regional Municipality has committed $4 million to the project and the Government of Nova Scotia has committed $1 million.

Thanks to government support and community donations, NCC is nearing the end of its fundraising campaign with $375,000 remaining to be raised from private donors to permanently protect the land and open the park. NCC is actively seeking additional support from businesses, community groups and individuals in order to complete the park by the fall.  A long-term plan for the management of the wilderness park will be developed by NCC in collaboration with the Halifax Regional Municipality and community partners.

The Halifax Wilderness Park is one of the signature land conservation projects in NCC’s national Landmark Campaign, the largest charitable campaign for conservation in Canadian history. The Halifax Wilderness Park project was selected for its conservation value and proximity to a large urban population, and will help meet NCC’s goal to connect more Canadians to nature. Tax deductible donations for the Halifax Wilderness Park can be made online or by calling NCC’s Halifax office at 1-866-319-5985. Learn more:  keephalifaxwild.ca.

Quotes

“There has never been a more important time to invest in the natural areas that sustain us all.   The Nature Conservancy of Canada is grateful to the Government of Canada for its support for the future Halifax Wilderness Park. This project will protect a special habitat and provide a place for Nova Scotians and visitors to connect with nature in the city. This investment is a catalyst for conservation of national significance and we invite everyone to join us to “Keep Halifax Wild” and give a lasting legacy.”
Craig Smith, Nova Scotia program director, Nature Conservancy of Canada

“The Government of Canada is pleased to be a partner in the Halifax Wilderness Park project. Not only does this project protect biodiversity and help address climate change, but it will also make Halifax a more attractive, healthier and sustainable city for generations to come. On behalf of my colleague Catherine McKenna, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I welcome the efforts made here today. With partners like the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we are working towards doubling the amount of protected nature across Canada’s lands and oceans.”
Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax

About

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has protected more than 31,000 hectares (77,000 acres) of ecologically significant land in Atlantic Canada. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.

The Government of Canada’s Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP) was established to accelerate the pace of land conservation across southern Canada. Federal funds invested in the public-private partnership program were matched by contributions raised by NCC and its partners. Habitat conserved under the NACP will enhance natural corridors and other protected areas.

The NACP concluded March 31, 2019.  It has been replaced by Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP), which will continue to support new protected and conserved areas by securing private lands and private interests in lands.

Kathryn Morse
Atlantic Director of Communications
Nature Conservancy of Canada | Atlantic Region
T: 902.405.4334 Ext. 3304 | Toll free: 1.866.319.5985
[email protected]
www.natureconservancy.ca