Greenbelt Wetlands Protection: An Assessment

Ecojustice, an environmental law organization, is working with Ducks Unlimted, Ontario Nature and Earthroots to assess the effectiveness of the Greenbelt Plan in protecting wetlands, which are rapidly disappearing in near urban environments across the province.A series of interviews and case studies on various planning decisions will shed light on how the current policy framework is or is not adequately protecting wetlands in the Greenbelt.The assessment will enhance our understanding of the complexities and key policy issues related to Greenbelt wetlands, increase public awareness and influence policy reform, to ensure the broader vision of ecological integrity is met in the Greenbelt’s Protected Countryside, Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment.

Shaping Food Policy in Durham Region

The project begins to implement Durham's Food Charter and shape food policy in the Region by developing a work plan for the regional food sub-committee and by advocating for the creation of a Food Policy Council to ensure there is long term capacity to take action on local food. It is part of a broader strategy to address issues of poverty, health, environmental degradation, economic instability and community safety in Durham Region.

Beyond Imaginings

"Beyond Imaginings" is a project by Harbourfront Centre to curate a photography exhibit with a Greenbelt theme, with images and other content to be displayed on 40 outdoor structures at Harbourfront Centre from June 2010 to May 2011. The photos depict all that the Greenbelt offers—a protected and restored natural environment, wildlife, agriculture, and recreation areas.

Community Harvest Ontario in the Greenbelt

The "Community Harvest Ontario in the Greenbelt" project increases access to fresh fruit and vegetables for families/people that use food banks by engaging the Greenbelt farm community and urban volunteers. An innovative network of farmers and volunteers work together to grow and glean fresh, nutritious produce that is then distributed to vulnerable populations through Ontario food banks. The Ontario Association of Food Banks (OFAB) recognizes the Greenbelt as a near urban source of fresh foods.

Growing the Greenbelt in Peel, Halton and Durham

The “Growing the Greenbelt in Peel, Halton and Durham” project aims to generate municipal applications to grow the Greenbelt in Halton, Mississauga and Brampton, along the Credit River. The project also strengthens support among residents and Council in Durham Region to grow the Greenbelt in the Carruthers Creek headwaters.

Artists Survey: The Greenbelt Project

"Artists Survey: The Greenbelt" is an innovative project which reaches out to the public and an increases awareness of the Greenbelt – what it is and what it does through the eyes of the artistic community. The project consists of a main event and panel discussion in Toronto, and travels to three sites within the Greenbelt.

Greenbelt Quilt of Diversity

The Ontario Crafts Council is working with the Foundation and a curator to create the "Greenbelt Quilt of Diversity", a collaborative textile work that embodies the spirit, diversity and variety of possibilities that grow within the Greenbelt. The quilt combines contributions from textile artists to create an exciting collaborative vision of the Greenbelt. The project engages the Greenbelt’s fibre arts community as part of the Foundation’s activities in celebration of the Greenbelt’s 5^thanniversary.

The Greenbelt’s autumn bounty of fresh meats, creamy diary, and hardy root vegetables and fall fruits where chopped, peeled and whisked to be served up by the next generation of culinary chefs vying for the attention of a panel of mentors.Environmental organization EcoSource, and the culinary arts program at Turner Fenton Secondary School, invited aspiring young chefs from culinary arts schools across Toronto to celebrate and cook withsustainable local foods. Six teams from three school districts participated, including Brampton’s Turner Fenton, Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, St. Joan of Arc Secondary School in Mississauga and Danforth Tech in Toronto.

The Christian Farmers considers the preservation of prime farmland in Ontario to be essential to the long-term success of farmers in this province, both for this and future generations. The Greenbelt that was put in place in 2005 is in many ways the prototype for what could be a successful land-use policy for agriculture throughout the entire province. However, it must be demonstrated that the Greenbelt Plan has had a positive impact not just for agriculture land, but also for the farmers that are working the land.When we consider the Greenbelt Plan, its primary functions are the following:

Next time you are driving along Highway 400 or Highway 9, keep your eyes peeled for the new Holland Marsh road signs. The Foundation worked with the Holland Marsh Growers Association and MTO to install these signs bringing awareness to this fertile land - the 'salad bowl' of Ontario's Greenbelt.