PM announces the expansion of Canada’s First National Urban Park

Toronto: Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced a significant expansion of Rouge National Urban Park which is located in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario. He was joined by Members of Parliament from the Durham and Greater Toronto Area.

Under the announcement made today, the Government of Canada will more than double its initial contribution by adding an additional 21 square kilometres of new lands to Rouge National Urban Park, featuring a mix of natural, cultural and agricultural lands. This expansion will increase the boundaries of Canada’s first national urban park by over 36 per cent, making it one of the largest urban parks in North America, spanning 79.5 square kilometres once fully established.

The new lands, which include forests, meadows, streams, creeks, important archaeological sites and large tracts of farmland, are located in the City of Pickering and the Township of Uxbridge. They will be under the protection of Parks Canada and preserved for the enjoyment of Canadian families and international visitors. The Rouge National Urban Park will be afforded the strongest protections of any urban park in the world, with its very own legislation – the historic Rouge National Urban Park Act – providing multi-million dollar investments to conserve and restore it, and ensure year-round enforcement.

The expansion of Rouge National Urban Park was informed by broad consultations with municipal, regional, provincial, Aboriginal and community stakeholders. The urban park will provide real and significant benefits to Canada’s environment, including protecting drinking water, agricultural lands, rare ecosystems such as some of the best remaining examples of Carolinian forests and wetlands in the Greater Toronto Area, and rich biodiversity including over 1,700 species of plants and animals.

Since 2006, our Government has focused on real action that is balanced and built on meaningful partnerships with those who share our vision for a healthy environment.

“Our Government understands that Canada’s natural environment helps shape our national identity and underlies our health and prosperity. That is why I am pleased to announce that with the addition of 21 square kilometres of new land, Rouge National Urban Park will become one of the largest urban green spaces of its kind in North America, benefiting Canadian families and international tourism.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“Today’s announcement will provide families across the Greater Toronto Area and visitors from coast to coast to coast with more opportunities to enjoy Canada’s great outdoors. The expansion of Rouge National Urban Park will also ensure current and future generations of Canadians remain connected with an important part of Canada’s rich natural and cultural heritage.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper