What is Natural Infrastructure?

JUNE 16, 2021 – Earlier this year the Canadian Federal Government announced a $200 million Natural Infrastructure Fund in their Budget 2021. But what exactly is Natural Infrastructure?

Natural Infrastructure utilizes natural solutions to address challenges in our communities. For example, urban forests help fight the urban heat island effect – which contributes to global warming – and wetlands control storm water runoff and reduce flooding risks. As an added bonus, Natural Infrastructure provides habitat for wildlife, is aesthetically pleasing, can be used for recreation, and offers community health benefits.

Once operational, this fund will assist communities in creating and protecting “green spaces,” wetlands, urban forests, etc. The fund will also support hybrid infrastructure projects – where natural and traditional infrastructure are implemented together to protect communities from natural disasters.

For more on how Natural Infrastructure can protect Ontario neighbourhoods from flooding, visit Unflood Ontario.