Ontario Farmers are Adjusting to Impacts of a Changing Climate

Greenbelt Foundation’s Report Profiles Four Ontario Farmers on the Frontline of a Changing Climate and their Unique Ways of Adapting

TORONTO, October 15, 2020 - While farmers have always had to adapt to changing weather year to year, new global shifts in climate patterns are predicted to have major consequences for Canada’s food systems. What are these consequences and what can we do about them? A new report from the Greenbelt Foundation explains.

Working in harmony with the weather has always been one of the greatest challenges for farmers. Now, with the climate changing at a rapid pace, it is important to find out how farmers are adapting their practices and what we can do to support them.

Canada’s farmers are on the frontlines of worsening climate impacts. Adaptation strategies are needed to maintain yield and farm profitability. The Greenbelt Foundation is supporting research into best approaches to improving soil health as well as the barriers farmers face in adopting these best management practices, working with an Ontario advisory committee of farm organizations, as well as Quebec-based Equiterre and its national advisory committee. 

Increasing Access to Outdoor Recreation in Ontario this Fall

Greenbelt Foundation’s Support for Culinary Tourism Alliance, Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Reserve, and Waterfront Regeneration Trust will Boost Recreation and Support Rural Economies in COVID-19 Recovery

TORONTO, September 29, 2020—The Greenbelt Foundation is pleased to announce three new grant projects that improve access to recreation in the Greenbelt over the coming months. Ontario’s Greenbelt provides opportunities for residents to get outside, maintain healthy, active lifestyles, and enjoy nature safely during COVID-19 this fall. These projects will also contribute to rural economic recovery from COVID-19 by drawing visitors to rural businesses, which are open for patronage.

It is important that we recognize and understand the essential role our forests play in helping communities adapt and mitigate to climate change. Trees have the unique ability to store carbon, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Through producing large amounts of shade, they keep our cities cooler and can decrease flooding as their leaves and branches intercept water, reducing the amount of run-off when it rains. 

Climate Change Promises Profound Impacts on Southern Ontario’s Forests and Communities

Greenbelt Foundation’s Report Identifies Significant Impacts on Forests and Unequal Access to Natural Spaces

TORONTO, September 17, 2020 - With extreme weather events like heat waves projected to increase in frequency, nearby nature remains critical for Ontarians. More than eight million residents benefit from the opportunity for natural cooling provided by the trees throughout their communities and Ontario’s Greenbelt. These trees in and around communities including the forests of the Greenbelt, collectively referred to as urban forests, make Ontario more resilient. But how are urban forests, themselves, affected by climate change?

Scaling Up Natural Asset Inventories Across the Greater Golden Horseshoe

Seeking Expressions of Interest from Local Governments

The Greenbelt Foundation is partnering with the Municipal Natural Asset Initiative (MNAI) to help municipalities develop natural asset inventories, as a first step in natural asset management. We are currently seeking expressions of interest from local governments across the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) to start this fall.

GREENBELT FOUNDATION REPORT HIGHLIGHTS NATURAL INFRASTRUCTURE AS VALUABLE ECONOMIC TOOL FOR ONTARIO

“Natural Infrastructure in a Changing Climate” report discusses how climate-resilient infrastructure can save Ontario tax dollars 

As Ontario examines opportunities for economic stimulation following the COVID-19 crisis, the Greenbelt Foundation has released a new reader-friendly report that highlights the economic, social and environmental values of natural infrastructure in Ontario.

Greenbelt Foundation Announces Green Infrastructure Investments In-Line with Federal Taskforce Recommendations

Four Shovel-Ready Projects Launch Today across the Greater Golden Horseshoe in Support of a Green Recovery from COVID-19

TORONTO, 30 JULY 2020—Last week, the Federal Taskforce for a Resilient Recovery, which includes Canadian business and finance experts, as well as policy and sustainability leaders, urged governments to invest in natural infrastructure as part of COVID-19 recovery. Given our work over a number of years to build awareness and community capacity to effectively utilize natural infrastructure, we welcomed the Task Force highlighting the importance of natural infrastructure as part of broader climate action and economic recovery efforts.

In partnership with Green Infrastructure Ontario State of Large Parks in Ontario's Golden Horseshoe is the first regional-scale analysis of park supply in the Golden Horseshoe, with a focus on large parks. Parks are a key asset in our regional green infrastructure system. They provide important spaces for activities ranging from play and exercise to relaxation and restoration.

As the population living around the Greenbelt grows, pressures will increase on our existing park system. At the same time, there is also a focus on building denser communities in city development and re-development that does not include establishing new large parks.