The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) says the loss of wetlands across the country is leaving communities more vulnerable to severe weather.
World Wetlands Day was marked on Monday.
Andrew Holland, the organization’s director of external affairs, said the day served as a reminder of how important wetlands are for both local communities and the country as a whole.
He said Canada holds about a quarter of the world’s wetlands, but many have been lost to development.
“The original wetlands in southern Canada, roughly 70 per cent, have been lost to land conversion,” he said.
“They’ve been paved over, plowed or converted into roads and subdivisions.”
Holland explains the losses are even greater near cities and towns, where between 80 and 98 per cent of the original wetlands have disappeared.
He added that disappearance is now showing up in the form of heavier rains, flooding, drought and wildfire risk.
“During floods, they hold water like a big sponge,” he said.
“During wildfires, the wetlands are there and help act as a fire break.”
Wetlands also help purify drinking water and provide habitat for birds, mammals and other wildlife.
Holland said protecting drinking water is one of the most important responsibilities communities share, and wetlands play a key role in that work.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported $2.4 billion in insured damage from severe weather last year.
Holland elaborated that wetlands can help reduce those long‑term costs by protecting roads, homes and other infrastructure.
NCC has conserved more than 930 wetland sites across the country.
Holland said some restored wetlands were once gravel pits or agricultural land, and many can be brought back within four or five years.
He also stated that restoration work supports local contractors and creates jobs.
Holland said wetlands should be treated with the same seriousness as roads, bridges and stormwater systems because they help protect communities and reduce future costs for governments, insurers and taxpayers.
