Ontario Investing $2 Million to Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

Press Release

June 15, 2026

Investment will support 112 community projects across the province to help protect natural spaces from harmful invasive species

LAKE SIMCOE — The Ontario government is investing $2 million to help municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities and local organizations stop the spread of harmful invasive species. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s economy and biodiversity, this investment will support 112 projects, create over 160 good-paying local jobs and engage more than 3,000 volunteers to manage and prevent invasives species across the province.

“From early invasive species detection to on-the-ground management, this investment is helping communities across the province protect the natural spaces we all rely on and enjoy,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources. “Our government is proud to support projects like these that bring people together to safeguard Ontario’s biodiversity for generations to come.”

Today’s announcement is part of the province’s $16 million investment over three years to fight against the spread of invasive species. Since 2024, these funds have supported 213 invasive species management projects, created 254 jobs and engaged 6,749 volunteers. These projects support a wide range of invasive species management activities, such as the water soldier response on Lake Simcoe and controlling invasive plants including common buckthorn and knotweed found in surrounding areas.

“The best way to protect Ontario from invasive species is by preventing them from spreading,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “That’s why our government continues to invest and give communities the tools they need to keep our waterways and forests safe for families across Ontario to enjoy.”

Invasive species are a leading cause of biodiversity loss in Ontario, with an estimated economic impact of $3.6 billion each year across key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, tourism and outdoor recreation. Administered by the Invasive Species Centre, the Invasive Species Action Fund helps stop the spread of invasive species through a coordinated, provincewide approach to prevent, detect and respond to invasive species.

The government is taking action to protect Ontario’s natural environment, outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities for future generations to enjoy, while supporting good-paying jobs and building resilient communities across Ontario.

Quick Facts

The Invasive Species Act currently lists 42 species, four groups, one family and two carriers as invasive. The Act provides legislative tools to prohibit and restrict certain invasive species, as well as highlighting carriers that facilitate the movement of invasive species.
Ontario has the highest number of invasive species in Canada. Once established, invasive species can harm the natural environment and are extremely difficult and costly to control or remove.

Quotes

“Lake Simcoe is one of the jewels of our region, and protecting it means taking action against invasive species before they cause lasting damage to our ecosystem, local economy and recreational opportunities. This investment will support important work right here in our communities, helping to preserve our lakes, and natural spaces for future generations while creating local jobs and engaging volunteers in conservation efforts. I’m proud that our government is making targeted investments that protect the environment and strengthen Ontario’s communities.”
– Andrea Khanjin
MPP for Barrie—Innisfil

“Protecting our natural spaces and native wildlife from invasive species is one of the most important conservation challenges we face. By supporting our partners on the ground, we are helping safeguard the watersheds, forests, and provincial parks that families across Ontario rely on – ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to cherish and enjoy our shared environment.”

– Todd McCarthy
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

“This investment will support a coordinated response to invasive species, helping protect Ontario’s agri-food sector from emerging threats. By stopping their spread, we are ensuring our farms and food supply remain strong.”

– Trevor Jones
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

“The Invasive Species Centre is proud to partner with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources to empower community action across Ontario. These projects build the knowledge, partnerships, and capacity needed to address invasive species now and protect our lands and waters into the future.”

– Colin Cassin
Executive Director, Invasive Species Centre

“Investments like this are critical to conserving Ontario’s biodiversity, sustaining quality recreational opportunities, and reducing long-term environmental and economic costs. Through its Invading Species Awareness Program, the OFAH Foundation is grateful for Ontario’s continued support, which enables timely action on emerging threats such as water soldier in Lake Simcoe and strengthens our collective efforts to protect Ontario’s natural heritage from the growing impacts of invasive species.”

– Matt DeMille
Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters

“A large portion of the Town of Innisfil is located on the western side of Lake Simcoe, which is enjoyed year-round as a great spot to boat, swim, fish and simply enjoy the water. Protecting Lake Simcoe has always been a priority so that it can be sustainable for residents and visitors alike. This funding announcement will help curtail invasive species that can have damaging and long-lasting impacts of the health of the lake. We welcome all efforts to protect Lake Simcoe and thank the provincial government for their consideration and support.”

– Lynn Dollin
Mayor of Innisfil

Additional Resources