Jun 18, 2025
TORONTO, June 18, 2025 – In recognition of Pollinator Week, 407 ETR is proud to announce that its pollinator conservation efforts with the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) have surpassed the 12-hectare goal of roadside restoration. The initiative is on track to restore 15.8 hectares of habitat restoration —the equivalent of approximately 30 football fields. Today, there are 15 projects underway within local municipalities and conservation areas in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The restoration work includes Kingsford Gardens in Oakville; boulevard restorations in Toronto; roadside restorations in Halton Hills; and a roadside meadow plot in Keswick.
In 2023, the Company signed onto a three-year, $500,000 sponsorship with CWF to support its Rights-of-Way as Habitat Program. In addition to supporting the planting of native wildflowers and grasses, 407 ETR’s funding is helping CWF educate rights-of-way managers about best practices in roadside vegetation management to support the recovery of monarchs, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinator species.
“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.”
The Pollinator Pathway expansion by Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, located by a roadside at Kingsford Gardens, in the path of monarch migration, is flourishing thanks to the collaboration. With additional native plants added in 2024 , the site became more welcoming to pollinators and monarch butterflies were spotted in the fall of 2024.
The next few years will be critical for other meadow projects that are in their “creep phase” as the native seeds develop roots to grow into successful plant communities, supporting the monarch butterfly and other pollinators around the GTA.
"As stewards of a vital transportation corridor in the GTA, we recognize our responsibility to protect and enhance the biodiversity along our rights-of-way,” says Javier Tamargo, President & CEO, 407 ETR. “At 407 ETR, we want to be part of the solution by supporting land restoration efforts in the communities we serve, and it’s great to see these spaces turning into thriving ecosystems, contributing to a healthier environment for generations to come.”
For a full list of project locations, please visit 407etr.com/biodiversity .
407 ETR remains committed to exploring new opportunities to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship along the highway corridor and improve its own operations. Learn more about 407 ETR’s commitment to environmental, social and governance at 407etr.com/esgreporting .
Fast Facts:
- There are over 200,000 kilometres of roadways in Ontario, representing tens of thousands of hectares of vegetated land.
- Insect abundance has declined by 50 to 90% in North America and Europe. 1
- Eight species of native bees are considered at risk in Canada 2 and the population of the monarch butterfly has declined by 75% in North America.
- GTA residents can support pollinators with native species for their gardens. Native plants have co-evolved with the wildlife of that area and are often their perfect food. They require less maintenance, are less susceptible to disease and pests, and many produce colourful blooms. Learn more at 407etr.com/biodiversity
- Since 2023, the Company has planted 30,000 native trees along Highway 407 ETR.