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The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program is pleased to announce that they will be supporting 120 invasive Phragmites monitoring and management projects in 2026-27 through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund (IPCF). This funding is made possible thanks to an investment from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and coordinated by the Invasive Species Centre and Nature Conservancy of Canada.
The total estimated benefits of Phragmites control is $113.4 million annually. It has economic impacts to agriculture, wetlands, property values, and tourism and recreation, as well as to key municipal assets including roads, drainage systems, and stormwater ponds. In addition, it causes road and fire hazards, blocks access to shorelines, and directly impacts key habitats for species at risk.
The OPA program empowers municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and incorporated not-for-profit organizations to implement on-the-ground Phragmites control efforts. These initiatives contribute to a coordinated, province-wide program aimed at both managing and preventing the introduction and spread of invasive Phragmites across Ontario. This includes a project with Mattagami Region Phragmites Management Area (PMA), led by the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority.
The Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA), the City of Timmins, and Mattagami First Nation are working together as a PMA to strengthen the early detection, monitoring, and management of invasive Phragmites across the Timmins region. Through shoreline, roadside, and aerial drone surveys, partners will identify and map new infestations, monitor known patches, and use DNA testing to confirm suspected invasive Phragmites. Projects will also involve community education and youth engagement to help build local capacity while protecting shorelines, wetlands, and natural areas.
“Protecting Ontario’s natural environment means taking action now against invasive species like phragmites, before they can do more damage. By investing $5 million in local partners, our government is moving to protect Ontario’s biodiversity, strengthen local economies and preserve the outdoor spaces that our families and communities enjoy.” — The Honourable Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources
“Investing in a collaborative, long-term approach to controlling and preventing invasive Phragmites yields significant benefits for Ontario’s ecosystems, economy, and communities. This project, along with the other projects funded by the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, is one of Ontario’s greatest assets in overcoming the challenges posed by Phragmites.” - Colin Cassin, Invasive Species Centre Executive Director.
“Our experience tackling invasive Phragmites proves that together we can transform and revitalize landscapes. These projects improve roadway safety, protect critical infrastructure and reduce long-term maintenance costs for municipalities. As our partnerships grow, so does our impact for people, communities and native wildlife across Ontario.” — Brett Norman, Director – Habitat Restoration, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“It has been a very positive experience working with the Ontario Phragmites Action program. This funding has allowed the MRCA to be the leader in identifying and assisting with Phragmites control in the Timmins area. This is the first time any form of Phragmites management/control has been conducted in our area and we are excited to be a part it.” – Hack Waldon, Regulations Officer, Mattagami Region Conservation Authority
Since 2024, IPCF has funded more than 260 projects that help protect natural spaces in Ontario from the impacts of Phragmites. In 2026-27, OPA is pleased to support 16 organizations in northern Ontario:
- Bay of Islands Community Association
- City of Timmins
- Conservation Sudbury
- Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy
- Grand Council Treaty #3
- Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC)
- Junction Creek Stewardship Committee
- Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA)
- Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association
- Mattagami First Nation
- Mattagami Region Conservation Authority
- Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)
- Nipissing First Nation
- Red Rock Indian Band
- Sagamok First Nation
- Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC)
Learn more about the Ontario Phragmites Action program and the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, visit www.ontariophragmitesaction.ca
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