Municipal Natural Assets Initiative (MNAI)
Smart Prosperity Institute 
institute.smartprosperity.ca

$80,000 (over 18 months)
Date Approved: June 20, 2016

Supported by the Greenbelt Foundation, The Smart Prosperity Institute successfully piloted a natural capital accounting project in two Greenbelt municipalities with the goal of 'mainstreaming' decisions to protect and invest in more natural capital initiatives. By monetizing natural assets, a case for environmental preservation can easily be applied by governments and businesses. As few Canadian municipalities have the ability to quantify their natural assets financially, this project took the necessary next step to help municipalities bring natural assets into decision-making conversations and thus present natural infrastructure as a viable alternative to other grey options.

Addressing Housing Intensification through Inclusionary Zoning
Social Planning Council Toronto
$20,000  (1 year)
socialplanningtoronto.org

This project will support the goals of the Growth Plan and Greenbelt by providing input into local policies in York Region and Toronto to increase the supply of affordable housing in complete communities.

Farming in Ontario's Greeneblt
Sustainable Cobourg
$2,500 (1 year)
sustainablecobourg.ca

Sustainable Cobourg will host an event to educate residents and stakeholders about farming in the Greenbelt.

Georgina Harvest Dinner 2016
Town of Georgina
$2,000  (1 year)
georgina.ca

The Georgina Harvest Dinner is an annual celebration of Greenbelt-grown produce, and the farmers that provide us with our food.

December 15, 2017

The Province has announced public consultations to consider expanding the Greenbelt to protect important water systems that are facing pressure from urban growth and climate change.

Ontario Tender Fruit Growers
http://www.ontariotenderfruit.ca/
Grant Stream: Prosperous Greenbelt

$400,000 (Greenbelt Foundation)
$150,000 (Greenbelt Fund)
Number of Growers Participating: 169 
Total Grower Investment: $5,574,413
Total Trees/Vines Planted: 489,730
Total Fruit Yield: 37 Million Pounds
Economic Impact: $22 Million (Farm-gate sales) annually

The Ontario Tender Fruit Growers partnered with the Greenbelt Foundation in a pilot program to begin revitalization of stone fruit and pear farms in Ontario. This partnership resulted in a total investment of over $1.5 million, 135,000 trees being planted and newer varieties being accessed by farmers. The Greenbelt provided cost-share to farmers to help offset fruit tree costs. Due to the success of this pilot program and the crucial need to increase market share and replace imports across all tree fruit and table grapes, the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers, Ontario Apple Growers and Ontario Fresh Grape Growers then received a $150,000 grant from the Greenbelt Fund to continue to grow the sector together to meet increasing consumer demand for fresh local fruit.  This funding provides for approximately 195,000 fruit trees and 5,000 table grape vines to be planted by farmers in 2019.

The Greenbelt Photo Contest is still accepting photos; in fact, you have until January 10, 2018 to submit!

Every photo contest submitter will be entered in a random draw to win a 1.5 hour guided flight for up to 3 people (maximum combined weight is 450lbs) over the beautiful Bruce Peninsula. For more details on the flight click here. 

For more details please read the rules and regulations. 

Greenbelt Foundation wins Living City Award for leadership in Sustainable Communities!

To get you started on adding local flavours to your holidays, we’ve put together our 5 top tips for supporting local Greenbelt farmers and producers this holiday season! 

From a list of Greenbelt Christmas tree farms, to year-round farms and farmers’ markets, to options for exploring the great outdoors during winter – we’ve got everything you need to know to get the most of the Greenbelt’s bounty this December.

While you're out don't forget to take a few pictures and submit them to our Greenbelt Photo Contest.

The beginning of the holiday season is marked with the first snow fall and with trees and streets adorned with lights! 

To get you started on the many events and festivals that are happening during December, view our list below: