Ministers Dabrusin and Hajdu announce successful restoration of Nipigon Bay
News release
August 28, 2026 – Nipigon, Ontario
After nearly four decades of restoration efforts, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, alongside the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced that Nipigon Bay is no longer designated as a Great Lakes Area of Concern.
Nipigon Bay was designated as an Area of Concern in 1987. Pollution from industrial and municipal wastewater, development in Lake Nipigon and the Nipigon River, and debris from past logging activities contributed to degraded water quality and ecosystem health.
The delisting confirms that all beneficial uses which were previously impaired have since been restored. This has led to:
- improved water quality
- recovery of fish populations
- enhanced fish habitats
- healthier populations of sediment-dwelling organisms (benthos)
- better overall aesthetics
This milestone was made possible through the joint efforts of the governments of Canada and Ontario under the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health. Restorations efforts included improvements to nearby wastewater treatment, industry compliance with federal and provincial regulations, enhancements to aquatic habitats through the rehabilitation and re-naturalization of nearby river flows and creeks, restoration of former wetland and spawning grounds, and the creation of new habitat. This reflects the success of sustained collaboration with Indigenous partners and local communities to restore the bay’s aquatic ecosystem and protect the Great Lakes for future generations.
This announcement is a reflection of A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature. The Strategy will help restore and value nature as a foundation of Canada’s economy, sovereignty, and well-being, leading to healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and prosperity for present and future generations.
Through the Canada Water Agency, the Government of Canada is strengthening coordination and collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to address freshwater challenges and opportunities in the Great Lakes and across the country. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to building a cleaner, more secure, and prosperous future for Canadians.
Quotes
“Today is a great day for Nipigon Bay, the Great Lakes, and freshwater in Canada. The delisting of Nipigon Bay as an Area of Concern reflects decades of dedicated work by our government and partners to restore water quality, habitats, and ecosystem health. By working together, we have transformed a once-degraded area into a healthier ecosystem that will benefit local communities, Indigenous people and future generations. It shows that environmental restoration is possible when governments and communities work toward common goals.”
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency
“For nearly 40 years, local partners, Indigenous communities, and different levels of government worked to bring Nipigon Bay back to health. A healthier bay means a healthier lake with a better ecosystem for all. That’s how you build a strong Canada - determined and sustainable action that leaves a cleaner, healthier future for Canadians.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
“Returning Nipigon Bay in Northern Ontario to a vibrant, healthy ecosystem is a major conservation victory made possible through the dedicated efforts of our two governments, along with the many Great Lakes partners and local residents who supported this work. By working together to restore the health of the Great Lakes - we are delivering on our promise to protect Ontario and support the resilience of our communities and local economies for generations to come.”
– Todd McCarthy, Ontario Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
“Since time immemorial, the lands and waters of Nipigon Bay have sustained my people and remain an important part of who we are. After nearly four decades of work to restore the bay and address the impacts of industry, we are seeing the results through cleaner water, restored habitat, and stronger, healthier fish communities. Today is an important milestone, but our responsibility to these lands and waters does not end with the removal of this designation. Red Rock Indian Band will continue to protect and care for Nipigon Bay, ensuring these lands and waters remain clean, healthy, and capable of sustaining our people for generations to come.”
– Chief Allan Odawa, Red Rock Indian Band
Quick facts
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Areas of Concern are locations within the Great Lakes where water quality and ecosystem health have been severely degraded by human activity. Effects include beach closures, habitat loss, and impacts on fish and wildlife populations.
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Since 1987, three Areas of Concern have been delisted: Collingwood Harbour (1994), Severn Sound (2003), and Wheatley Harbour (2010).
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Two others (Spanish Harbour and Jackfish Bay) have been designated as Areas of Concern in Recovery.
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Starting in 2023, the Government of Canada is investing $650 million over 10 years in the Freshwater Action Plan, including a historic investment of $420 million in new funding to protect the Great Lakes.
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Investments in the Great Lakes through the Freshwater Action Plan will accelerate progress on ambitious environmental goals, such as completing remedial actions in 12 of the 14 remaining Canadian Areas of Concern by 2030 and all by 2038, and meeting Canada’s phosphorus-load reduction targets for Lake Erie by 2039.
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Since 1971, a series of Canada–Ontario Agreements on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health have advanced cooperative efforts to restore and protect the Great Lakes.
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A resilient, water secure future is essential to Canada’s long-term success and stability. The Canada Water Agency is developing the country’s first National Water Security Strategy, in collaboration with other governments and partners across the country to protect freshwater ecosystems and secure water for communities and the economy, now and in the future.
Associated links
Contacts
Keean Nembhard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature
343-552-2387
Keean.Nembhard@ec.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canada Water Agency
media@cwa-aec.gc.ca
Canada Water Agency’s X page
Canada Water Agency’s LinkedIn page
Environment and Natural Resource in Canada Facebook page