SEVEN STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE LIVABILITY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Greenbelt Foundation Develops Resource to Support Municipalities in Creating Complete Communities

As Ontario communities recover from COVID-19, there is an opportunity to build back better. Imagine a vibrant rural town that has everything you need from shops and restaurants, to essential services like doctors and dentists, to leafy footpaths and connected bike lanes, to affordable housing and great jobs minutes from your front door.

With the projected changes to our climate, it is more important than ever to understand the role pollinators play in our ability to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Our rich and abundant wild pollinator communities in southern Ontario include over 350 different bee species, wasps, butterflies, beetles, flies, moths, and hummingbirds who provide pollination services to urban and community gardens, crops in intensive agricultural systems, native plants in green spaces, and our residential flower gardens.

Report Shows How You Can Help a Range of Pollinators from Home this Summer

Greenbelt Foundation Report Explains Climate Change’s Impact on Pollinators and How You Can Help During COVID-19

With summer almost here, many of us are turning to balconies and yards to connect with nature by planting seeds, growing vegetables, and enjoying the pollinators who visit our plants. Southern Ontario is home to a staggering 350 different bee species, as well as many wasps, butterflies, beetles, flies, moths, and hummingbirds who also pollinate our plants. Having a diversity of these pollinators is what puts tomatoes on our garden vines and keeps our grocery store shelves stocked.

This report summarizes the findings of research on how municipalities in the Greenbelt, along with Conservation Authorities and other partners, are incorporating and implementing water resource system (WRS) policies developed by the Province of Ontario. Attention is focused on common challenges faced across the Greenbelt and opportunities for improving policy implementation and the protection of the water resource system.

Research Reveals New Ability to Expand Ontario’s $2.2 Billion Fruit & Vegetable Sector

Greenbelt Foundation Report Demonstrates Economic Opportunities for Ontario Farmers

New research from the Greenbelt Foundation highlights a timely opportunity to grow Ontario’s $2.2 billion fruit and vegetable sector, including more local production of fresh grapes, pears, strawberries, garlic, eggplant and sweet potatoes—as well as vertical farming. This expansion could result in up to $100 million in increased farm-gate revenue, making an important contribution to Ontario’s economic recovery.

In partnership with Green Infrastructure Ontario An Economic Impact Assessment of the Green Infrastructure Sector in Ontario is a first-ever assessment of the full scope and economic impact of the green infrastructure sector across the province. Green infrastructure is the natural vegetative systems and green technologies that collectively provide society with a multitude of economic, environmental and social benefits.

This study evaluates the current and potential future economic impact of Ontario’s green infrastructure sector. From maintenance and landscape staff on the ground, to designers and engineers, nursery staff, manufacturers of equipment, and public administrators, the green infrastructure sector includes jobs with businesses and organizations at various scales across the province.

Your Local Farmers Markets Now Online! 

The Greenbelt Farmers Market Network is a network of over 85 markets that span Southern Ontario. Funded by the Greenbelt Foundation for almost 10 years, this network works to build social and economic opportunities for the Greenbelt's farmers and producers. With support from the Greenbelt Foundation, the network is moving to online sales to ensure farmers have an online market place and that Ontarians are still able to access fresh, local food.

Use the list below to find the closest market to you. Simply click on the market and you will be taken directly to their online store.

Shop, pick up & enjoy!

The full scope and impact of Ontario’s vibrant green infrastructure sector has never
been quantified—until now.

April 20th, 2020 - From maintenance and landscape staff on the ground, to designers and engineers, nursery staff, manufacturers of equipment, and public administrators, the green infrastructure sector includes jobs with businesses and organizations at various scales across the province.

The new “Economic Impact Assessment of the Green Infrastructure Sector in Ontario”—a first-ever assessment of the full scope of the green infrastructure sector, commissioned by the Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition (GIO) and funded by the Greenbelt Foundation, with additional financial support from Landscape Ontario, highlights to what degree green infrastructure is an important contributor to Ontario’s economy. According to the report, green infrastructure generates $8.6 billion in gross output (revenues), $4.64 billion in direct gross domestic product (GDP), and directly employing approximately 84,400 people in 2018. Factoring in the indirect and induced impacts, Ontario’s green infrastructure sector was responsible for more than 120,000 jobs and nearly $8.33 billion in GDP in 2018.

Report Shows that Investments in Natural Infrastructure Have Significant Economic Returns

Investing in Ontario’s Natural Assets will Strengthen Climate Resilience While Rebuilding Ontario’s Economy Post COVID-19 according to New Greenbelt Foundation Report

Canada’s built, or ‘grey’, infrastructure requires an estimated investment of $5.3 billion per year in order to keep pace with the effects of climate change. This comes as COVID-19 puts unprecedented strain on our economy. A new Greenbelt Foundation report suggests a way to address infrastructure needs and build climate resilience, while helping the economy recover.