Ontario Investing to Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

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

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.