World Foods Local Production – 166 KB

This report was prepared by a team of four graduate students in the planning program at the University of Toronto. It was undertaken as part of the requirements for the Workshop in Planning Practice course during the Fall 2008 term. The report was edited by Ellise Goarley at the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation in 2009.

Holland Marsh Agricultural Impact Study – 421 KB

Holland Marsh is one of two "Specialty Crop Areas in Ontario" and a recognized producer of a significant percentage of the vegetables grown in the province. This paper looks at the land base and agricultural profile of the Marsh, which then forms an economic analysis to calculate the financial contribution that primary production in the Marsh makes to the provincial economy annually. [The tenth installment in the Occasional Paper Series presented by the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.]

"Holland Marsh Agricultural Impact Study" authored by Planscape Incorporated and Regional Analytics.

Toronto, July 7 2009 —TVOKids presents a fun outing for the whole family on Saturday July 18. Spend the afternoon with TVOKids at the All Colour Antique Tractor and Toy Show at Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Road, in Milton, Ontario.

Toronto July 1, 2009 - Thanks to the understanding and support of City Councillors and City staff and both CUPE locals involved in the current labour dispute, allowances have been made so that as of Thursday, July 2, Farmers' Markets at Toronto's Civic Centres can resume operations.  

2009 Ontario Bike Summit

Through the inaugural “2009 Ontario Bike Summit,” the Share the Road Cycling Coalition builds capacity in the bicycling advocacy movement to grow cycling infrastructure, education and awareness initiatives in Ontario, making it safer and easier for cyclists to visit the Greenbelt areas by bike. The Foundation participates in the Summit, hosted by the Coalition, which includes key policy makers, speakers and workshops, aiming to establish a Provincial Bike Policy.

Caledon June 25, 2009 - Former Premier William G. Davis is still making news 50 years after his Maiden Speech in the Ontario Legislature. The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation is honouring Mr. Davis today for his vision of Southern Ontario, balancing built-up urban areas alongside protected natural areas for farming, important environmental features and rural life. 

Toronto June 11, 2009 - Ontarians who think they are supporting Ontario farmers by buying wine sold as "Cellared in Canada" are unknowingly supporting foreign grapes or grape products, the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance warned today. Under the current Ontario law, Cellared in Canada wines can contain up to 70% foreign grapes or grape product. 

Spend the day with the TVOKids hosts: featuring fun activities for the whole family – and free admission for dads!

Toronto, June 11, 2009 — TVOKids has a fun way for kids to spend quality time with their dads and with the whole family this Father’s Day. It’s TVOKids Greenbelt Adventure Day, coming to Whittamore’s Farm Strawberry Festival Weekend, on Sunday June 21. Whittamore’s Farm is at 8100 Steeles Avenue East, in Markham, Ontario. The farm is open from 9 to 4 pm, and dads get free admission all day!

Planning Grant

The Greenbelt protects about 535,000 acres of lakes, wetlands, river valleys and forests, providing protected habitat for wildlife and endangered species.

Ecojustice is Canada’s leading non-profit organization of lawyers and scientists, with a dedication to the environment and conservation, and a mandate to assess the effectiveness of the Greenbelt Plan with respect to provincial groundwater and wetlands conservation.

This planning grant is an extraordinary example of the partnerships forming to implement effective change throughout the Greenbelt. Ecojustice scopes the potential for a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the Greenbelt Plan in relation to wetland protection by reviewing selected case studies, transitional developments, and plans in action. This prepares the group to identify issues and geographic areas where implementation needs improvement, or where the Greenbelt Plan may need refinement.

Local Food Distribution Mechanisms in Niagara and Hamilton

In search of a distribution system, the study incorporates a random phone survey to about 275 Hamilton and Niagara food producers and processors, to assess the need and demand for such a centre.

As a Canadian not-for-profit independent think tank, the George Morris Centre fosters excellence in the agri-products sector by provoking informed dialogue and providing industry decision makers with analyses of critical issues affecting this sector.

In order to thrive, vibrant local food systems and their small and medium producers require infrastructure facilities to store, process, pack, and ship their fare. In line with their mission to foster excellence in the agri-products sector, The George Morris Centre partners with the municipalities of Hamilton and Niagara and the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation to perform a feasibility study on establishing a local food distribution mechanism in these regions.