Thank You

Written By Danica Abrams

“Every time I swim in a river or lake, walk through trails or observe the birds, fish and plants that provide beauty to our world, I remember the generosity and spirit of Mrs Weston and her family.” - Mark Mattson, President, Swim Drink Fish Canada.

Canada recently lost a valued supporter of our waters with the passing of Hilary Weston last month. We extend our sincere condolences to the Weston family and are grateful for the meaningful legacy she leaves behind.

The Weston family has long encouraged Canadians to embrace our responsibility as stewards of land and water. Their philanthropy has been closely aligned with Swim Drink Fish’s mission of connecting people to water, and we have been fortunate to work with both the Garfield Weston Family Foundation and the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation.

Their support has made important shoreline restoration projects across Ontario possible, many delivered through the Great Lakes Freshwater Challenge. These initiatives not only improved waterfronts but also reconnected communities to their local waters, setting an example that has inspired other Great Lakes communities to take on their own restoration efforts.

Hilary Weston’s legacy will continue through this work, in healthier shorelines and stronger connections between people and the waters that sustain them.

Here are the nine projects that were funded: 

  • Gord Edgar Downie Pier at Breakwater Park in Kingston, Ontario

    • Project partners: City of Kingston, Utilities Kingston

  • Second Creek at Terra Cotta Conservation Area in Caledon, Ontario

    • Project partners: Credit Valley Conservation

  • Save the Redside Dace in the Greater Toronto Area

    • Project partners: Ontario Streams, Toronto Zoo, Kidoons Network

  • Making Lake Ontario swimmable again in Toronto, Burlington, and Prince Edward County

    • Project partners: Swim Drink Fish

  • Frenchman's Bay wetland in Pickering, Ontario

    • Project partners: City of Pickering

  • Peche Island restoration on the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario

    • Project partners: Detroit River Canadian Cleanup, Essex Region Conservation Authority

  • Copeland Creek restoration in the Township of Tiny, Ontario

    • Project partners: Severn Sound Environmental Association, Township of Tiny

  • Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation Area in Mississauga, Ontario

    • Project partners: Credit Valley Conservation, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Region of Peel

Danica Abrams
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