Minister McKenna Strengthens Government of Canada's Commitment to Completing Rouge National Urban Park

Government of Canada invests to help endangered turtles in Toronto's Rouge National Urban Park

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2016 /CNW/ - "Today, I will be meeting with officials from the Government of Ontario to discuss completing Rouge National Urban Park— a first of its kind in Canada. As Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I can say with certainty that our two Governments are committed to working together to enhance Rouge National Urban Park and protect its important ecosystems and heritage.

Since the establishment of Rouge National Urban Park, Parks Canada has completed a number of important projects that support the ecological integrity of the area. To start the day, I visited the Toronto Zoo to learn about a project to restore Blanding's turtles— a species-at-risk—to Rouge National Urban Park. I am proud that Parks Canada will be making a contribution of $150,000 to the Toronto Zoo as a key partner in the program that is helping re-establish a healthy, local population of this threatened species. I will also be touring Rouge National Urban Park to see first-hand some of its rich natural, cultural and agricultural heritage and meeting with key stakeholders.

Completing the country's first urban National Park is important for many reasons. It protects nature, culture and agriculture in an integrated way and its close proximity to the Greater Toronto Area will give more Canadians the opportunity to experience a national park and learn about our environment. For these reasons and more, the Government of Canada will work in collaboration with the Ontario government to complete and protect Rouge National Urban Park."

The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Associated Links

• Rouge National Urban Park
• Toronto Zoo's Ontario Turtle Tally program helps to identify endangered turtle populations and habitats
• Blanding's Turtles – Species at Risk

SOURCE Parks Canada

Image with caption: "On February 9, 2016, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, holds a Blanding's turtle during a visit to the Toronto Zoo. Parks Canada and the Toronto Zoo have partnered on a project to restore Blanding's turtles—, a species-at-risk—, to Rouge National Urban Park. (Photo: Stephanie Lake, Canadian Press) (CNW Group/Parks Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160209_C7241_PHOTO_EN_616843.jpg

Caitlin Workman, Office of the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada Agency, 855-862-1812, [email protected]