Protecting Greenbelt Wetlands - How Effective is Policy? presents the findings of a two-year study that investigated the extent to which new legislation, policy and stronger legal standards are serving to protect and restore wetlands in Ontario’s Greenbelt. 

Natural heritage systems planning is about maintaining, restoring, and enhancing ecologically sustainable and resilient landscapes. It goes beyond a features-based approach to natural heritage planning by identifying Greenways -- spatially and functionally interconnected systems of core natural features, corridors, and buffers. However, many municipalities struggle with natural heritage systems planning because of a lack of resources and expertise.

Farmers' markets are growing stronger as a destination for fresh local food. This report, produced by the Greenbelt Farmers' Market Network in collaboration with Informa Market Research, assesses the ongoing growth and change within the farmers' market sector. The findings of this report are based on information from visits to 30 network markets, interviews with 82 farmers, as well as 26 other market vendors. Results were compared with the GBFMN's 2009 survey. 

Greenbelt Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory provides estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from the Greenbelt, mirroring the provincial Greenhouse Gases (GHG) report format. It considers land-use emissions from agricultural practices, natural systems, and traditional emission sectors like transportation and buildings. In total, it is estimated that 4.9 MtCO2e (Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) result from activities taking place within the Greenbelt, which represents approximately 3% of the provincial total.

 Greenbelt Foundation Now Accepting Funding Applications for Three Funding Streams

A New “Growing the Greenbelt” Funding Stream Has Been Announced Alongside the Existing Prosperous Greenbelt and Resilient Greenbelt Streams

TORONTO, February 24, 2021 – The Greenbelt Foundation is now accepting funding applications for the Prosperous Greenbelt and Resilient Greenbelt funding streams, as well as a new Grow the Greenbelt funding stream.

Greenbelt Foundation to Build on 16 Years of Work with Renewed Provincial Funding

A Renewed Three-Year Agreement with the Government of Ontario will Allow the Foundation to Realize the Unique Social, Economic and Environmental Benefits of Ontario’s Greenbelt

TORONTO, February 23, 2021—The Greenbelt Foundation is pleased to announce $12M in funding from the Government of Ontario. Over the next three years, this funding will allow the Foundation to continue conducting applied research and providing strategic grants that protect and enhance Ontario’s Greenbelt and improve understanding of the economic, environmental, and social benefits it provides.

STATEMENT

February 17, 2021

Growing the Greenbelt

The Greenbelt Foundation supports the Government of Ontario’s commitment to what could be the largest expansion of the Greenbelt since its original creation. Today, the Government announced that it will consult on expanding the Greenbelt to protect additional critical water systems, including the Paris-Galt Moraine. We welcome today’s announcement and look forward to working with the Government and key stakeholders to realize a vision of meaningful growth and enhancement that benefits Ontarians.

This report card was prepared by a team of technical experts from nine individual Conservation Authorities that comprise the Conservation Moraine Coalition (CAMC) to provide science-based information on the environmental health of the Oak Ridges Moraine and adjacent Greenbelt lands.

While the agri-food industry is becoming increasingly competitive and global, consumers have a growing interest in local food. This report, prepared by the Georgie Morris Centre, assesses whether sufficient industry exists to establish a sustainable local and regional food and agri-product distribution initiative (LFDI) in the Niagara and Hamilton area.

The long-term viability of the Greenbelt depends not only on protecting lands within the Greenbelt, but effectively managing growth in the surrounding areas. This also includes land outside but adjacent to the Greenbelt because many of its agricultural and ecological systems extend beyond its boundary.