National Marine Conservation Area in Lake Ontario. 

Good afternoon, 
I am writing to update you on Nature Canada’s work to establish a National Marine Conservation Area in Lake Ontario. 
Background

The Eastern basin of Lake Ontario is particularly rich in biodiversity and contains critical habitat upon which thousands of native species, globally rare plants, animals, and people rely. This ecosystem holds 84% of North America’s freshwater supply and is the source of drinking water for millions of people.

Parks Canada has committed to protect each of Canada’s marine ecoregions by establishing National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCA), and we believe Lake Ontario should be the next in line. Establishing an NMCA would bring federal funding to the region to protect habitats and address invasive species which will bring social, economic, and cultural benefits to residents, fisheries, and tourists alike. The United States already designated its side of the lake as a National Marine Sanctuary in 2024.What is Nature Canada up to in the region?Kingston and Brighton unanimously support the establishment of the NMCAFollowing presentations from Nature Canada, 

Kingston City Counciland Brighton City Council passed a resolution calling on the federal and provincial governments to commission a feasibility study for establishing an NMCA in Lake Ontario.

There is broad support for protecting Lake Ontario in the regionNature Canada had some great conversations with locals about protecting Lake Ontario at South Shore Fest 2026 in Prince Edward County, organized by the South Shore Joint Initiative.
Additionally, we commissioned EKOS to conduct polling on local attitudes toward the establishment of an NMCA in Lake Ontario. The results showed that:

• 84% said Lake Ontario’s northern shore is critically important forwildlife and the environment.
• More than half of respondents (56%) said they are highly concerned about the impacts of human activity on Lake Ontario’s water quality and aquatic ecosystems, while an additional 32% said they are moderately concerned.
• Two-thirds (67%) expressed support for the establishment of an NMCA stretching from Brighton to Kingston, compared to just 14% who oppose the idea.
• More than half of respondents (54%) believe an NMCA would bolster the local tourism industry.

Meeting with decision makers at all levelsWe have developed a new one-pager (see attachment), which has been shared with local decisionmakers. We are meeting with local MPs and MPPs in the coming weeks to discuss the next step in the establishment of the NMCA.
Raising awareness for Species At Risk in Lake OntarioTo learn more about the endangered species who call Lake Ontario home, check out this article on our website.
What can you do?

To move forward with the establishment of an NMCA, the Government of Ontario needs to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Parks Canada to launch a feasibility study that will engage all stakeholders, including First Nations, on the path forward to protecting the lake through negotiations. You can help by:

1. Writing to your local Member of Provincial Parliament, telling them that an NMCA would benefit your community through tourism and ecosystem health and that you want them to start a feasibility study with Parks Canada.
2. Sending a letter to the Provincial and Federal Governments telling them that you support the creation of an NMCA in Lake Ontario. 

Kind regards,

Rachelle DuBois
Senior Nature Network Organizer – Protected Areas

From Kenn Feigleman: I thought that you’d appreciate the following relevant video on Lake Ontario, produced and narrated by SUSAN PATTERSON-GATELEY, renowned American writer of many books related to LAKE ONTARIO, and my dear friend & co-author of our pending non-fiction tome on “THE MYSTERIOUS [“MYTHICAL”] MARYSBURGH VORTEX”, of Eastern Lake Ontario.

“Deeply yours”,

Kenn M. Feigelman,

DEEP/QUEST 2 EXPEDITIONS

[613-331-1044] 

It’s Open Source  no royalties

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