Guest Blog Post By: Norman Liu

Nothing gets between me and Sunday breakfast with a pot of organic, fair-trade coffee, the paper, and absolutely no one around. It’s my sacred time, and pity the poor soul who disturbs it!

But last winter, I got up before 6am, skipped the paper and coffee, pulled on layers until I could hardly move, and drove with my sister and a friend down a deserted 401. Our destination was Rouge Park, Canada’s first Urban National Park and a jewel of Ontario’s Greenbelt. We were heading to a Winter Bird Count—trading our urban comforts for a day to engage in some citizen science and get back in touch with winter. 

The Metrolinx's Regional Transportation Plan is under review. Find out what's in store for the future of transit in the GHTA.

Did you know that on average we lose 7.5 hours per week to commuting! That’s almost a whole workday.

While I am sure we could all think of better ways to spend the 7.5 hours than stuck on transit or our cars, there is more at stake than just our time.

The growth that is expected in the region over the coming decades, almost 13.5 million people in the Greater Golden Horseshoe by 2041, has the potential to threaten the natural and economic systems that are allowing us to prosper. The growth patterns of the past several decades have been characterized by car-dependent, sprawling subdivisions busting the seams of the Greater Toronto Area.

Twelve years ago, the government passed the Greenbelt Act in response to pressure from environmental groups to permanently protect vital farmland and natural systems at risk of being paved over for suburban sprawl. Now, over a decade later, as I prepare to leave the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, I am as determined as ever to ensure the Greenbelt remains a successful and permanent feature of the landscape. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2017

GREENBELT ROUTE TRAILHEAD INSTALLED AT THORNTON BALES CONSERVATION AREA HIGHLGHTING TOURISM FEATURES IN YORK REGION
New signage installed in partnership with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority on 475km Greenbelt Route

York Region – The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation has partnered with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, municipalities and regional partners to identify recreational opportunities in York Region, as part of the ongoing investment in the Greenbelt Route. A 475km signed cycling route and Ontario Trail of Distinction, the Greenbelt Route connects communities across the Greenbelt and highlights recreation and tourism opportunities in the protected countryside.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 24, 2017

GREENBELT ROUTE TRAILHEAD INSTALLED AT LIMEHOUSE CONSERVATION AREA HIGHLGHTING TOURISM FEATURES IN HALTON REGION
New signage installed in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation on 475km Greenbelt Route

Halton Hills – The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation has partnered with Credit Valley Conservation, municipalities and regional partners to identify recreational opportunities in Halton Region, as part of the ongoing investment in the Greenbelt Route. A 475km signed cycling route and Ontario Trail of Distinction, the Greenbelt Route connects communities across the Greenbelt and highlights recreation and tourism opportunities in the protected countryside.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 24, 2017

GREENBELT ROUTE TRAILHEAD INSTALLED AT ORONO PARK HIGHLGHTING TOURISM FEATURES IN DURHAM REGION
New signage installed in partnership with Municipality of Clarington on 475km Greenbelt Route

Clarington – The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation has partnered with the Municipality of Clarington and other municipalities and regional partners to identify recreational opportunities in Durham Region, as part of the ongoing investment in the Greenbelt Route. A 475km signed cycling route and Ontario Trail of Distinction, the Greenbelt Route connects communities across the Greenbelt and highlights recreation and tourism opportunities in the protected countryside.

Since the establishment of the Foundation in 2005, we have published annual reports to show Ontarians what we have accomplished each year. This year, some of the top highlights detailed in the Annual Report include:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2017

CYCLISTS IN ESSEX COUNTY JOIN ONTARIO150 CELEBRATE BY BIKE WITH A FALL HARVEST RIDE
Fall Harvest Ride in Essex County one of 15 events along Ontario’s iconic cycling routes for Ontario150 celebration

Essex County – In one of 15 community cycling events throughout Ontario, cyclists of all ages enjoyed a free, guided fall bike ride through national, provincial and local trails, including the Trail of Distinction - the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail of Essex County. Coinciding with this celebration is the grand opening of the Rotary (1918) Centennial Hub. This new hub is significant to this region as it connects cyclists to many major trail systems like the Herb Gray Parkway, the Trans Canada Trail (aka Great Trail), the CWATS network and local trail systems.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2017

CYCLISTS IN GREATER SUDBURY JOIN ONTARIO150 CELEBRATE BY BIKE WITH COMMUNITY RIDE
Celebrate By Bike in Greater Sudbury - one of 15 events along Ontario’s iconic cycling routes for Ontario150 celebration

Greater Sudbury – In one of 15 community cycling events throughout Ontario, cyclists of all ages enjoyed free, unique rides along the new Lake Huron North Channel Waterfront Trail, a northern addition to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Organized by Rainbow Routes Association and the Sudbury Cyclists Union, the ride showcased the cycling opportunities in Sudbury for riders of all ages and abilities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 2016

Launch of Third Greenbelt Photo Contest with McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Photo Contest Celebrates the Human Connection to the Greenbelt

The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) are launching the third annual Greenbelt photo contest. This year’s theme is “People in the Greenbelt”, highlighting the human connection with nature, agriculture and the land across the Greenbelt.