Press Release
September 23, 2025 – Port Rowan, Ontario
On Friday, Birds Canada and supporters celebrated a $118,200 Capital grant awarded by the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation to support infrastructure upgrades for a more inclusive and accessible space at our Long Point Interpretation Centre – enhancing community engagement in conservation, strengthening partnerships, and inspiring a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
“As an ardent lover of nature, animals, and our fine feathered friends, it’s great to see the Ontario Trillium Foundation providing funding for Birds Canada to help them educate even more members of the public about birds and the Long Point ecosystem,” said Bobbi Ann Brady, MPP for Haldimand—Norfolk. “Better building infrastructure and the construction of 3 kilometres of accessible trails means greater numbers of visitors can be accommodated and will be able to learn and experience the natural and cultural sites.”
Every year, over 10,000 visitors join Birds Canada to enjoy and learn about birds and nature in the Long Point region. This project will address the urgent need for a modern, inclusive, and accessible community hub in the area – one that benefits both visitors and local residents.
Thanks to the support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Birds Canada will improve accessibility of its public spaces by retrofitting building entrances and washrooms with automatic doors and other enhancements. Three kilometers of accessible trails and sidewalks will be constructed to provide improved access to nature and cultural sites.
“For over 65 years, Birds Canada has been a fixture in our community and a leader in bird conservation. These improvements to make our facilities more accessible help to enhance our role as a vibrant centre that welcomes new visitors and collaborators, opening the door to build on our community programming and conservation goals. We are thrilled to invite everyone to come see birds, enjoy the outdoors and engage in environmental education, while witnessing our vital conservation program in action,” said Stu Mackenzie, Director of Strategic Assets, Birds Canada.
Beyond accessibility, the initiative will deliver socio-economic benefits to southern Norfolk’s rural communities by increasing tourism, fostering arts-sector collaborations, and providing expanded meeting and gathering spaces for government agencies, businesses, educators and more.
Birds Canada is a national charity dedicated to bird conservation. Our mission is to drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation and conservation of birds in Canada.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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Media Contact:
Liz Purves, Manager of Institutional Giving
Birds Canada
lpurves@birdscanada.org
519-586-3531 ext. 132
