Local Governments Recognize the Importance of Natural Asset Management

TORONTO, May 16, 2024 – To support local governments in implementing natural asset management, the Natural Assets Initiative (NAI) has released "Nature is Infrastructure: How to Integrate Natural Assets in Asset Management Plans" a progressive guide which outlines comprehensive best practices so that municipalities can effectively manage natural assets as nature-based solutions can complement traditional “grey” engineered infrastructure and provide significant cost benefits while reducing growing risks to communities. This document aligns natural asset management, acknowledging unique benefits and attributes, with existing approaches and practices for built assets. It provides direction and insight for local governments developing natural asset management plans.  

Green Communities Canada and the Network of Nature Plant Mini Forests

 Written by Emily Amon, Director Green Infrastructure, Green Communities Canada 

April 30th, 2024

Mini forests also known as Miyawaki Forests, are dense, biodiverse pockets of trees planted through a strategy developed by Dr. Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s. Designed for urban environments, mini-forests are bringing the natural woodlands and tree canopies to cities in Canada. To continue to protect and ensure a safe, sustainable environment for future generations, revitalization efforts to green our urban areas are key. Planting the right trees, in the right areas, ensures the growth of our natural environment to fight climate change and restore nature.  

Request for Proposals: Housing Needs and Actions for the Agricultural Sector in Rural Greenbelt Communities 

Background 

As Ontarians focus on building housing across the province, the Greenbelt Foundation is interested in understanding housing needs in rural areas and the impact of housing challenges on rural economies, in particular housing priorities that support agriculture and the agri-food economy and jobs. 

The need for housing in rural communities and the relationship of housing policies to Ontario’s important agricultural sector is not well understood. What is known is the importance of the agriculture economy to rural communities.  Within the Greenbelt, there are over 4,000 farms and 40 town, villages and hamlets. In 2020, the Greenbelt's agri-food sector alone generated an estimated $4.1 billion in GDP and close to 59,000 jobs.  The surrounding Golden Horseshoe region also supports the largest agri-food cluster and food and beverage processing sector, in Canada  A key aspect of protecting the Greenbelt’s and other rural communities’ agri-food economies, and even realizing growth opportunities in this sector, are dependent on having the right mix of housing in rural areas that are aligned to the needs of farm families, on-farm workers, and more generally workers and their families that support the larger agricultural sector and vibrant rural communities.   

Paddling Up the Rouge River Through the Years

Written by, Brian Jackson a technology analyst and former journalist who lives in Toronto, and is one-half of the Urban Paddlers with his wife Cassandra Jowett and two year old daughter Maeve.  

March 31, 2024

The first time I paddled the Rouge River, I was alone.

I drove a kayak to the Rouge Hill parking lot at the eastern edge of Scarborough, where the river’s mouth feeds into Lake Ontario. As a former summer camp canoe trip leader, I was determined to make my hobby work in the city and find enjoyable paddling experiences hidden between the concrete and asphalt-laden streets of Toronto. The Rouge River didn’t disappoint.

The Greenbelt Foundation Receives $12 Million Funding Renewal from the Ontario Government

Three-year reinvestment will be used to further protect, improve and enhance Greenbelt lands 

TORONTO, March 14, 2024 – The Greenbelt Foundation is pleased to announce renewed funding of $12 million over the next three years from the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Everybody's Backyard: The Greenbelt as a Community of Support

 Written by Cheryl Weldon, Director of Community Relations & Partnerships at the Greenbelt Foundation. 

February 29th, 2024

In the 19 years since its inception, a lot has changed about the Ontario Greenbelt, but one thing has remained the same- its importance for the communities that live, work and grow within it. We know that the Greenbelt provides 2 million acres of protected land that provide us with fresh air, clean water, fantastic local food and drink, and world-class outdoor recreation and tourism experiences.

Soil That Feeds Ontarians

 Written by Ryan Carlow, Soil Health Specialist with the Greenbelt Foundation. 

January 31st, 2024

 In 2023, the Greenbelt Foundation launched an exciting and innovative Soil Health Program in the Golden Horseshoe in partnership with the Soil Health Institute and several other partners and advisors from across the Ontario agricultural industry. The program combines two measures of soil health: the Soil Health Assessment and Plan from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, as well as the minimum suite of indicators recommended by the Soil Health Institute.  

2023 Year in Review: A Growing and Prosperous Greenbelt 

  December 20, 2023

Reflecting on a truly unprecedented year at the Greenbelt Foundation, I am struck by the milestones and accomplishments that our team achieved working with our partners and grantees. We continue to be inspired by their work and our collective ability to strengthen and realize the full potential of the Greenbelt. 

The Importance of Natural Asset Management within the Greenbelt. 

Written by Samantha Cava, Manager for the Natural Asset Management Program with the Greenbelt Foundation.

November 28th, 2023

Can you describe your role within the Greenbelt Foundation and the career path which led you there?  

I currently serve as the Manager for the Natural Assets Management Program at the Foundation, where I coordinate initiatives in collaboration with municipalities, conservation authorities, and non-profits. My focus revolves around advancing natural infrastructure projects and municipal natural asset management regionally. I am deeply committed to enhancing and restoring the Greenbelt's overall health, while also supporting sustainable community services, climate mitigation, and adaptation efforts. 

Are you passionate about supporting charities and non-profits who are helping to sustain Ontario’s Greenbelt - protecting its environmental, agricultural, and cultural landscapes and social benefits? If you are looking to work with a great team for a good cause, this might just be the career move for you!

The Greenbelt Foundation is an independent, charitable organization dedicated to promoting and sustaining Ontario’s Greenbelt. With the support of the Province of Ontario, in addition to its grants program which supports community and sector capacity, the Foundation undertakes evidence-based research and policy work, strategic programs and promotes the Greenbelt and engages the public and stakeholders. By ensuring continuous, progressive investment in the Greenbelt, the Foundation nurtures a living, thriving Greenbelt for all to enjoy.

Position: Senior Advisor, Social and Digital Media

Duration: Contract Position (Minimum 12 months)

Hours/Weeks: 40 hrs. (5 days/wk)

Position Overview:

The Senior Advisor, Social and Digital Media is a key member of the communications team, reporting to the Communications lead. The Senior Advisor, Social and Digital Media will primarily support the Foundation’s social media content production, as well as other digital projects and campaigns. This individual will also convene meetings and other activities to facilitate knowledge transfer among grantees, stakeholders, and work closely with the Foundation’s staff. This position may also support specific program analysis and management activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Social Media

· Lead conceptualization and content development for social media and digital campaigns, events, and launches

· Ongoing social media posts: copy, visuals, queueing posts and calendar management

· Production of social, campaign, and special project videos

Digital Content

· Design and content support for reports and stakeholder documents

· Manage vendors (videographers, photographers)

· Lead the development of external videos with vendors

· Update/upload digital asset/visual archiving system

· Visual content support to grantees, including cross promotion kits

· Ongoing photography and videography support

· Supporting the Foundation’s website content on an ongoing basis

· Design work as needed

General Duties and Responsibilities:

· Contribute content to monthly and annual reports

· Partner/stakeholder engagement and management

· Support the Communications Team led Foundation events

· Other tasks as assigned

Qualifications / Competencies

· Previous experience in design experience and using Adobe Design Suite

· Experience in web design and development

· Understanding of social media and types of content that drive engagement

· Knowledge in photography and videography

· Demonstrated project management skills

· Well-developed organizational skills with attention to detail

· Experience applying analytical skills in both written and evaluative activities

· Effective written and oral communication skills

· Evidence managing stakeholder relations and rights holder engagement

· Ability to apply ethical judgment and manage confidential information

· Working proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

· Education background or experience in social media, web design, or content creation

· General understanding of the Greenbelt or sustainable communities including, natural heritage systems, nature-based solutions to climate change, sustainable agriculture and local food systems, recreation and tourism and cultural heritage a benefit

· Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Our organization is currently operating on a hybrid work model with virtual and in-office work, based on demands of specific work tasks and/or departmental meetings.

The Greenbelt Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer, and we particularly welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. The Foundation is also committed to providing an accessible workplace. For individuals with disabilities, accommodation is available upon request. Should

you require accommodation at any stage of the selection process, please let us know. We will work with you to meet your needs.

TO APPLY:

Applications should be received no later than November 24, 2023. To apply for this position, submit a cover letter and resume through our online portal.

Apply Here

The Greenbelt Foundation thanks all applicants for their interest, but only successful candidates will be contacted.