Urban Parks and Ecological Corridors: MNO and Parks Canada partnership seeks input from MNO citizens

Press Release

From densely populated urban spaces to remote country sides, there is great ecological diversity where Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizens call home. Regardless of location, all Métis people are connected by our shared values and way-of-life; chief among them a responsibility to protect and conserve the lands and waters for future generations.

The MNO is pleased to announce a partnership with Parks Canada to aid in the establishment of two exciting province-wide environmental initiatives; the expansion of a National Urban Parks Program (NUP) and an Ecological Corridors Program.

These two large-scale projects aim to revitalize urban spaces through the creation of new parks; as well as establish and enhance “ecological corridors” across Ontario to maintain a network of protected natural spaces.

National Urban Parks Program (NUP)

The National Urban Parks (NUP) program focuses on the establishment of parks in urban areas across Canada. Parks Canada aims to designate 6 new urban parks by 2026 and 15 by 2030. To inform this work, the partnership with the MNO includes the co-development of a National Urban Parks Policy which takes into consideration key environmental and cultural policies while incorporating beliefs important to MNO citizens and Métis ways of life.

Ecological Corridors Program

The Ecological Corridors Program focuses on the creation of “ecological corridors” to restore and maintain the connectivity of ecosystems across Canada. Ecological corridors complement protected areas by connecting them through natural pathways, allowing wildlife to travel safely from one protected area to another. If enough corridors are connected, an “Ecological Network” emerges, therefore creating a web of protected areas for wildlife.

Ways you can help

Survey

The first step for both the National Urban Parks Program and the Ecological Corridors Program is to is to engage with MNO citizens and hear your perspectives! Take part in the surveys below and make your voice heard:

National Urban Parks Program – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WX6N232

Ecological Corridors Program – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WX53WFQ

Both surveys can be accessed through the links provided and will be open until January 12, 2024.

Interviews

The Métis Nation of Ontario will be scheduling interviews with MNO citizens and knowledge holders to hear their perspectives on the National Urban Parks and Ecological Corridors Programs. These interviews will primarily focus on Métis knowledges and land-based teachings and how they can be best applied to the National Urban Parks Program and the Ecological Corridors Program. The interviews will also seek to hear MNO citizens perspectives on cultural and environmental programming that you would like to see implemented that would benefit your communities. If you are interested in participating in these interviews, contact Mackenzie Bell:

Email: MackenzieB@metisnation.org,
Phone: (249) 535 – 4255.

We appreciate any and all information MNO citizens are willing to share regarding their perspectives on the National Urban Parks Program and the Ecological Corridors Program. After the survey period has ended the MNO Environment and Climate Change team will hold a prize draw for each survey. Entries received in each survey will be eligible to win a prize. Prizes include gift bundles from Zero Waste Mvmt and $100 Cabela Gift Cards. The draw will be held after the survey is closed and prizes will be sent out that month.

Take the surveys today and help protect our lands and waters!

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