In May 2017, the Greenbelt grew to include 21 major urban river valleys and associated coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

By connecting the rural lands of the Greenbelt to Lake Ontario, we have made a critical first step towards protecting the hydrological and natural heritage systems we depend on for clean water and climate resiliency across the region. 

Last week, I was pleased to be a speaker at the 34th Annual Grape Growers of Ontario Celebrity Luncheon. It was our 12th year of supporting the luncheon and it was a beautiful day to celebrate the Grape Growers of Ontario’s achievements and accomplishments.

This is an exciting time for the Greenbelt. In May 2017, the Greenbelt grew to include 21 major urban river valleys and associated coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), protecting these critical hydrological connections between Lake Ontario and the rural lands of the Greenbelt. 

In the City of Toronto, the Don and Humber Rivers and Etobicoke Creek now benefit from this protection, and we've teamed up with the Toronto Environmental Alliance to celebrate! Join us at one of these great events:  

Ontario Agricultural Week is from October 2 to 8 in 2017, how can you celebrate? By eating local fruit, meat, dairy and vegetables more often!

Ontario’s food system is huge; it generates more than $15 billion in GDP and employs more than 214,000 people. Of this, $2.65 billion GDP is generated by farming in the Golden Horseshoe and the Greenbelt. Did you know that farms in the Greenbelt benefit from natural and locational advantages such as access to key processing industries, highly productive soil types and climate, and proximity to Ontario’s largest and growing market? What to learn more? Click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2017

HUNDREDS OF CYCLISTS IN LENNOX & ADDINGTON JOIN ONTARIO150 CELEBRATE BY BIKE WITH “DISCOVER RIDE”
“Discover Ride” in Lennox & Addington one of 15 events along Ontario’s iconic cycling routes for Ontario150 celebration

Lennox & Addington – In one of 15 community cycling events throughout Ontario, cyclists participated in a 58km ride through Lennox & Addington County, with stops at farms, wineries and historic sites. The tour started and ended at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company, with live music and a glass of beer waiting for the cyclists on their return.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2017

CYCLISTS IN UXBRIDGE JOIN ONTARIO150 CELEBRATE BY BIKE WITH “UxCyCle” EVENT LAUNCHING NEW CYCLING LOOPS
“UxCyCle” in Uxbridge one of 15 events along Ontario’s iconic cycling routes for Ontario150 celebration

Uxbridge – In one of 15 community cycling events throughout Ontario, cyclists of all ages were encouraged to enjoy live music and a celebratory bike ride for the opening of the new Uxbridge Loop. Festivities included family friendly entertainment and local food with an on-site farmers’ market, along with 3 group rides for any age and ability.

The Guide can support small cities, towns and rural settlements with the integration of green infrastructure into their communities. Much of the current green infrastructure research and guidance focuses on densely populated urban centres. Smaller and rural settlements are often overlooked despite the many benefits that green infrastructure can provide in these settings.

This Guide aims to fill that gap by providing an overview of the types of green infrastructure that make the most sense for these communities and by outlining a strategic zoning approach for implementation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2017

CYCLISTS IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE JOIN ONTARIO150 CELEBRATE BY BIKE WITH OUTSPOKIN’ SLOW RIDE
OutSpokin’ Slow Ride in Niagara-on-the-Lake one of 15 events along Ontario’s iconic cycling routes for Ontario150 celebration

Niagara-on-the-Lake – In one of 15 community cycling events throughout Ontario, 100 cyclists of all ages enjoyed a slow ride on the Greenbelt Route on the last OutSpokin’ Slow Ride of the season. The 16th such event this year, OutSpokin’ Slow Rides are free, non-competitive group bike rides for riders of all ages and abilities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2017

CYCLISTS IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY JOIN ONTARIO150 CELEBRATE BY BIKE WITH
“BIKE UP NORTHUMBERLAND”
“Bike Up Northumberland” in Cobourg one of 15 events along Ontario’s iconic cycling routes for Ontario150 celebration

Cobourg – In one of 15 community cycling events throughout Ontario, cyclists of all ages were encouraged to enjoy the Greenbelt Route and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail while supporting Northumberland County’s two hospitals; the Northumberland Hills Hospital and the Campbellford Memorial Hospital. New this year, with funding support as part of Ontario150 Celebrate By Bike was the free “Get Back on Your Bike” program to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for residents of all ages.

The Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) recently conducted a consultation on a ‘Draft Protocol for Loss of Ecosystem Services’. The protocol sets out a framework for how to evaluate the ecosystem services lost because of development in natural features and appropriate compensation (in the form of replicating natural features in other locations or enhancing existing features) for those losses. The protocol triggers as a last resort when all other options to avoid and mitigate losses are exhausted. It will not apply in the Greenbelt’s protected natural features. It will apply in lands adjoining the Greenbelt and could potentially affect its natural features, and therefore it is relevant to our work.

You can read our response to the consultation here.