The Government of Canada announced 14 projects receiving funding under the Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative in 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.
The Wolastoq/Saint John River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative funds outcome-focused initiatives that address at least one of the three program priorities:
- Nutrient Reduction
- Advancing Science and Knowledge
- Enhancing Indigenous knowledge, capacity building and engagement
2025-2026 Recipients:
Association des riverains du lac St-François
Project: Amélioration de la qualité de l'eau et de la santé écologique du bassin versant de la rivière St-François (Water quality and ecosystem health improvement in the St-François River watershed)
Funding amount: $100,000 over 3 years
Description: This project will implement an integrated watershed management approach in the St. Francis River tributary of the Wolastoq/Saint John River to increase knowledge of the impacts of excess nutrients and contaminants of emerging concern. A coordinated action plan will be developed with the area's stakeholders to improve water quality and aquatic ecosystem health.
Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Saint John Inc.
Project: Sustainable Solutions: Nutrient Reduction through Urban Stormwater Management in the lower Wolastoq
Funding amount: $199,800 over 3 years
Description: This project will improve ecosystem and freshwater health by reducing nutrient loading in the Greater Saint John Region of the Wolastoq/Saint John River. This will be accomplished through the implementation of green infrastructure measures at several sites within the watershed, including stormwater retention and/or diversion projects such as bioswales, rain gardens, and retention ponds.
Belleisle Watershed Coalition Inc.
Project: Assessment of Pre- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Surface Waters of the Lower Wolastoq/Saint John River
Funding amount: $132,948 over 3 years
Description: This project will assess per- and polyfluroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the lower Wolastoq/Saint John River. PFAS are classified as "forever chemicals," and are an increasing concern due to widespread use and long-term persistence in the environment. Findings will be communicated to local communities to increase knowledge and raise awareness on the impact of PFAS contamination in aquatic ecosystems.
Maliseet Nation Conservation Council
Project: Advancing Science and Indigenous Knowledge for Improving Water Quality in the Wolastoq (St. John River) and Addressing Nutrient Pollution, Harmful Algal Blooms, and Ecosystem Health
Funding amount: $195,000 over 2 years
Description: This project will advance scientific research and integrate Indigenous knowledge to assess and address the impacts of excess nutrients, harmful algal blooms, and pollutants on the water quality and ecosystem health of the Wolastoq/Saint John River. Wolastoqey community members will be trained to conduct water quality monitoring and analysis throughout the watershed, to increase knowledge about the river while supporting Indigenous capacity building. Community consultations and cultural mapping will gather Indigenous knowledge about nutrient inputs and harmful algal blooms, which will be integrated with Western science to provide a holistic assessment of water quality in the river.
Nature New Brunswick
Project: Agricultural Edge: Protecting Freshwater Through Sustainable Riparian Buffers on Farms
Funding amount: 100,000 over 3 years
Description: The project will engage farmers and landowners to establish enhanced farming practices which will reduce nutrient inputs and improve the freshwater health of the Wolastoq/Saint John River. This will be accomplished through riparian restoration such as buffer zones, the development of riparian management plans, and community outreach.
St. John River Society Inc.
Project: A Watershed-Based Approach to Assessing Point and Non-Point Nutrient Loads in the Wolastoq/St. John River
Funding amount: $129,909 over 3 years
