Mayor Lefebvre Announces 3,000+ Hectare Contribution to Canada's 30x30 Conservation Goal

Greater Sudbury – A major step forward in environmental protection and climate action was announced today by Mayor Paul Lefebvre. The City of Greater Sudbury and Conservation Sudbury, in collaboration with Ontario Nature, celebrated the 2024 contribution of 3,057 hectares of local green space and natural areas toward Canada’s 30x30 conservation target.
 

The national 30x30 goal—protecting 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by the year 2030—is part of an urgent global effort to halt biodiversity loss and strengthen climate resilience. Greater Sudbury’s contribution includes some of the city’s most cherished outdoor spaces: Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, AY Jackson Lookout and High Falls, Fielding Memorial Park, Moonlight Beach, Centennial Park, Terry Fox Sports Complex and Lily Creek, among others.
 

These areas – identified and recommended by the Mayor’s Task Force on 30x30 – are more than scenic landscapes. They are rich, interconnected ecosystems—forests, wetlands, streams, grasslands, and ponds—that provide vital habitat for wildlife, as well as essential services to our community, like clean air and water, flood mitigation, and free, accessible outdoor recreation.
 

With the support of Ontario Nature, these lands were evaluated and confirmed to meet national standards for long-term conservation, through Nature Canada’s Municipal Protected Areas Program (MPAP). This program empowers municipalities to formally recognize urban and near-urban natural spaces as protected, ensuring their ecological integrity for generations to come. This designation does not affect current public access—residents and visitors can continue to explore and enjoy these natural spaces as they always have.
 

The City of Greater Sudbury and Conservation Sudbury’s leadership on this initiative builds on decades of commitment to environmental restoration and stewardship—and positions Sudbury once again as a trailblazer in urban regreening and nature-based climate solutions.
 

QUOTES
“For more than 50 years, the City of Greater Sudbury has been a global leader in regreening. This initiative extends and expands upon that legacy, by recognizing and respecting natural areas for their cultural and ecological values past, present, and future. As we adapt to a changing climate and nurture respectful relationships for reconciliation, we must continue to work together on our shared conservation goals.”
- Mayor Paul Lefebvre, City of Greater Sudbury

“Sudbury is a leader in environmental remediation and regreening. Today’s announcement of 3,000+ hectare contribution to Canada’s 30x30 conservation goal is a testament to Sudbury’s environmental stewardship and legacy. Not only are we preserving the environment, air quality and natural habitats, this investment is contributing to several socioeconomic factors including increased tourism. I want to commend both the City of Greater Sudbury and Conservation Sudbury for their leadership and commitment to preserving our green spaces.”
- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament Sudbury

“When the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area was established in the 1960s, it was with a vision to protect one sixth of the Ramsey Lake watershed for the benefit of future generations. Nearly 60 years later, Conservation Sudbury proudly continues this legacy of care, renewing its commitment to the land, the waters, and the community. By contributing this 900-hectare conservation area to the national target, we’re helping ensure that this cherished natural space continues to thrive and support biodiversity while allowing visitors to enjoy nature at no cost."
- Carl Jorgensen, GM of Conservation Sudbury

“Ontario Nature is thrilled to congratulate both the City of Greater Sudbury and Conservation Sudbury for their important contributions to Canada’s 30×30 target. Both the City of Greater Sudbury and Conservation Sudbury are demonstrating a high standard for conservation and showing tremendous leadership in biodiversity protection through their commitment to 30x30 and local restoration efforts.”
- Tony Morris, Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director, Ontario Nature

"Nature Canada celebrates the inspiring contributions to Canada’s 30x30 target from the City of Greater Sudbury and Conservation Sudbury, who are showing what local leadership for nature can look like. By restoring damaged landscapes into vibrant ecosystems and protecting them for future generations, these efforts are a powerful example of what municipalities and conservation authorities across the country can achieve when working together. Congratulations to both partners for this well-deserved win for nature."
- Dylan Rawlyk, Organizing Manager - Municipal, Nature Canada

Additional Background
The Mayor’s Task Force on 30x30 was created by Mayor Lefebvre in 2023 to explore the feasibility of developing a local initiative to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030. Leaders and representatives of local organizations were invited to participate and provide recommendations on how this initiative should proceed. In April 2024, Council unanimously voted to support these efforts by having eligible municipally-owned lands recognized in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database. The 30x30 initiative continues to evolve to advance its work on the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 territory in a good way; an expanded mandate is expected to be announced later this year. For more information: https://www.greatersudbury.ca/live/environment-and-sustainability1/mayors-taskforce-on-30x30/