City of Moncton Celebrates Designation of Multiple Municipal Sites as Conservation Areas

The City of Moncton is proud to announce that several municipal sites have been recognized as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM), highlighting the City’s long-standing commitment to protecting nature and biodiversity.

These lands provide important benefits for both people and nature, including the protection of drinking-water supply sources, support for biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, and opportunities for recreation and education. Approximately 3,768 hectares of municipally managed land have now been recognized under this designation. Together, they demonstrate how municipal lands can contribute to broader conservation efforts while continuing to serve important community needs.

Among the designated areas are key natural assets including:

• Irishtown Nature Park
• Mapleton Park
• Turtle Creek Watershed
• Humphreys Brook Trail
• Wilson Marsh

These City-owned sites are contributing to Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas and will now be included in Canada’s database of protected and conserved areas. The sites will also be included in a global database following Canada’s annual update in November, recognizing Moncton’s contribution to conservation on an international scale.

“We are proud to see these important natural areas recognized for the role they play in supporting biodiversity and ecological health,” says Mayor Shawn Crossman. “This designation reflects the strong foundation laid by previous Council, whose leadership helped advance this important work. It also underscores the City’s ongoing commitment to conservation and responsible land management, and we will continue building on that progress as we move these efforts forward across Moncton.”

This achievement was made possible through the leadership and support of Fundy Biosphere Region, which worked closely with the City throughout the OECM review process. Their expertise and guidance were instrumental in identifying and advancing areas that demonstrate meaningful conservation outcomes. 

“Moncton is showing what it means to think about conservation as part of a community’s long-term legacy,” says Jennifer Dingman, Executive Director of Fundy Biosphere Region. “By recognizing these important natural areas, the City is making a lasting investment in the places that support both people and nature. We’re proud to have worked alongside the City to identify and advance these areas for recognition, and we hope Moncton’s leadership will inspire other municipalities across New Brunswick to explore similar opportunities.”

At these sites, current management practices support:

• Ongoing biodiversity conservation
• Habitat restoration and enhancement
• Environmental monitoring and scientific research
• Watershed protection and water quality management
• Sustainable public access and low-impact recreation
• Site improvement initiatives that strengthen ecological integrity

These activities demonstrate how municipal land stewardship can balance public use with environmental protection.

Commitment to Conservation

The City of Moncton is proud of its continued commitment to conservation and environmental leadership. Through strategic land management, partnerships, and evidence-based planning, the City actively works to protect and enhance natural spaces for current and future generations.

This recognition reflects years of collaborative effort and responsible stewardship, and the City remains committed to expanding and strengthening conservation outcomes across municipal lands.

Quotes 

“Achieving the federal government’s plan to protect and conserve 30% of Canada’s land and oceans by 2030 requires the help of partners across the country. Moncton’s critical work to secure the recognition of over 3,768 hectares of municipally managed land as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), demonstrates the important role partners play, like those with Canada’s UNESCO Biosphere Regions, in advancing conservation and strengthening Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas.”

– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“Moncton’s recognition of these natural areas as other effective area-based conservation measures reflects the important work happening across Canada to protect nature and shows how collaboration can help halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Support from the Fundy Biosphere Region was invaluable in guiding this work and strengthening the city’s conservation efforts. This initiative aligns with A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature and our shared commitment to conserve 30% of lands and waters by 2030.” 

– The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)

Information

Communications, City of Moncton
communications [at] moncton.ca (communications[at]moncton[dot]ca)