Monarch butterfly seen at Oakvillegreen Pollinator Pathway expansion at Kingsford Gardens, which is one of 15 projects underway within local municipalities and conservation areas in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) as part of 407 ETR's sponsorship of CWF's Rights-of-Way as Habitat Program. (CNW Group/407 ETR Concession Company Limited)
As part of Pollinator Week celebrations, 407 ETR and the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) are proud to announce major strides in pollinator conservation – with Halton Hills and Oakville at the heart of the effort.
Together, the two communities are playing key roles in a growing network of roadside and greenspace restoration projects across the GTA.
Since launching a three-year, $500,000 partnership in 2023 with CWF’s Rights-of-Way as Habitat Program, 407 ETR has surpassed its 12-hectare restoration goal and is now on track to restore nearly 16 hectares, which is about the size of 30 football fields. These projects focus on planting native wildflowers and grasses along roadsides to support vital pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
In Halton Hills, roadside restoration efforts are helping turn underused land into vibrant ecosystems. Meanwhile, Oakville’s Kingsford Gardens is home to a standout project led by Oakvillegreen Conservation Association. Located along the monarch butterfly’s migratory path, this flourishing pollinator pathway was enhanced in 2024 with even more native plants – leading to the return of monarchs last fall.
“Our collaboration with 407 ETR enables restoration of native meadow habitat along rights-of-way in the GTA,” says Carolyn Callaghan, Senior Conservation Biologist, Terrestrial Wildlife at CWF. “By establishing thriving meadow ecosystems, we’re helping native pollinator species, like the monarch butterfly, flourish while also enhancing the natural pollination of flowering plants and increasing biodiversity on the landscape.”
Pollinator populations across North America have seen dramatic declines, with monarch butterflies down by 75% and eight species of native bees now considered at risk in Canada. Roadside restoration is one way communities can help reverse that trend – creating green corridors where pollinators can survive and thrive.
Residents can also help by planting native species in their own gardens. These plants are well-suited to local wildlife, require less maintenance, and add vibrant colour to yards and public spaces.
To learn more or see a full list of projects, click here.
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