FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 6, 2019

Greenbelt River Valley Connector Program Continues for Second Year of Community Engagement

Community Groups invited to apply for funding for projects to animate Greenbelt river valleys across the GTHA 

TORONTO – The Greenbelt Foundation and Park People have launched the second year of the successful Greenbelt River Valley Connector Program. Funding is now available to help connect people and communities to Greenbelt protected urban river valley (URVs) systems throughout the GTHA. Over three years, the Greenbelt River Valley Connector Program will provide up to $300,000 in funding to support fifteen place-based projects that will help people explore, celebrate and enhance their local URVs.

Agriculture is an integral part of the Greenbelt, fostering rural prosperity and sustaining a significant agri-food sector in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH). Home to 750,000 acres of some of the most productive agricultural land in Canada, the Greenbelt ensures this farmland is permanently protected. Agriculture Trends and Updates: Understanding the Greenbelt’s Unique Advantages profiles the changes in agriculture in the Greenbelt from 2011 to 2016. 

Using Statistics Canada’s Census of Agriculture data, the report looks at key variables such as number of farms, area farmed, use of farmland, production levels, and farm revenue. In addition, the report places the data in context by examining agriculture in Ontario as a whole. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 23, 2019

Statement from the Greenbelt Foundation on the Repeal of Schedule 10 from Bill 66

The Greenbelt Foundation welcomes the announcement from Minister Steve Clark that Schedule 10 will not be included in Bill 66 when the legislature reconvenes. Farming and recreation in the Greenbelt are major contributors to Ontario’s prosperity, contributing $9.1 billion in economic activity and supporting 161,000 jobs every year.

Get out, and get back to nature!

Jan. 22, 2019, Toronto, ON - Just before the holidays, I had the privilege of taking part in a Greenbelt Foundation sponsored event called, “Into the Greenbelt” (this one took place at Rouge Park). Led by the team over at Park People, the idea behind these walks is to support the exploration of the Greenbelt, most notably the newly protected Urban River Valleys.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 22, 2019

CLIMATE CHANGE SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE OF OUR ERA:

NEW REPORT FROM GREENBELT FOUNDATION AND SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT

“Health in a Changing Climate” discusses key health risks posed to Ontarians by climate change and highlights actions that could mitigate these impacts

The Greenbelt Foundation has partnered with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for an in-depth look at how a changing climate impacts the health of Ontarians. By highlighting the key health risks, as well as the actions individuals and communities can take to respond, Health in a Changing Climate discusses climate change as both a public health threat and an opportunity for positive action.

For Immediate Release

November 29, 2018

ONTARIO’S GREENBELT PROTECTED AS PART OF ENVIRONMENT PLAN

Greenbelt Foundation pleased that Ontario government is committed to a protected Greenbelt as part of Ontario’s environmental framework

Ontario’s Environment Plan, released today, states that the Ontario government is “committed to protecting the Greenbelt for future generations.” This renewed provincial commitment underscores the important contribution the Greenbelt makes to helping Ontario address the impacts of climate change and makes clear that a protected Greenbelt will be an important part of Ontario’s environmental framework. The plan recognizes the role the Greenbelt’s natural systems play in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather in our changing climate.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2018

NEW REPORT FROM GREENBELT FOUNDATION AND ONTARIO NATURE SHOWS HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS BIRDING

“Birds in a Changing Climate” highlights 31 species of Greenbelt birds that are climate threatened or endangered and actions to mitigate these impacts

The Greenbelt Foundation has partnered with Ontario Nature for an in-depth look at how a changing climate impacts bird populations in the Greenbelt. Birding is one of many day-to-day activities enjoyed by Ontarians in and around the Greenbelt that is being impacted by climate change. Birds in a Changing Climate identifies birds that are climate threatened and climate endangered, and identifies action that helps birds to thrive.

Municipal Natural Asset Initiative: Refining and Implementing Solutions in the Greenbelt Region
Municipal Natural Assets Initiative Society
$300,000 (over 3 years)

www.mnai.ca

Grant Stream: Resilient Greenbelt

Date Approved: March 20, 2018

Municipalities can no longer afford to disregard the essential contributions natural/green infrastructure play in the carrying capacity of a municipality. In a time of climate change/increasingly volatile extreme weather events and greater funding difficulties for Ontario municipalities, the immense value natural/green infrastructure present to municipalities in ecological services must not only be calculated, but protected to maintain integrity/efficacy.

Engaging stakeholders to expand the Greenbelt into the Waterloo Region and Guelph/Wellington
Alternatives Inc.
$16,750 (over 3 months)
www.alternativesjournal.ca

Grant Stream: Expansion Consultation Fund
Date Approved: February 23, 2018

Educational community events in Waterloo, Kitchener and Guelph, discuss the importance of preserving farmland and sensitive environmental lands, encourage participation in the provincial consultations to consider expansion of the Greenbelt.

Indigenous in the Greenbelt (editorial series)
Alternatives Inc.
$15,000 (over 7 months)
www.alternativesjournal.ca

Grant Stream: Prosperous Greenbelt
Date Approved: June 20, 2018

An editorial series (written / recorded / filmed) captures Indigenous perspectives and experiences connected to the Greenbelt, strengthening the cultural heritage, history and knowledge of the landscape.