Last month, groups from Family Service Toronto and the Brampton Multicultural Centre visited Kortright Centre for Conservation near Kleinburg. Read about their experiences, from interactive nature walks to greenhouses and saying hello to some sheep!

Members of the Brampton Multicultural Centre visit Kortright Centre for Conservation 

By: Kathy Macpherson, VP Research & Policy

I’m very excited about our upcoming report on valuing the natural capital of the Greenbelt. It helps make it clear that nearly 9 million people are taking advantage of having the world’s largest Greenbelt on their doorsteps, as well as benefiting in many other ways from its natural assets.

Understanding the value of our natural capital is vital to making informed, responsible decisions. This primer explains what natural capital valuation is and how it works.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2016

On November 1, the Hon. Hal Jackman, OC OOnt CD LLD, was celebrated at Queen’s Park as the 2016 recipient of the Friend of the Greenbelt Award. The Hon. Hal Jackman was recognized for his work with the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust to preserve this vital landscape and water recharge area.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has released its final Guidelines on Permitted Uses in Ontario's Prime Agricultural Areas. These guidelines clarify and expand on the province’s policies regarding permitted uses on-farm. The Guidelines were developed to assist municipalities in interpreting the provincial policy statement (PPS) on land use planning. They strike the balance between supporting a thriving agriculture industry and rural economy, and maintaining prime farmland for long term use in agriculture. Thanks to OMAFRA for taking the time to widely consult, and to the farm community, municipalities and others who provided feedback!

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On October 18, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation co-hosted an Edge Planning workshop with the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance in Niagara Region. Held at the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, the workshop was attended by over 40 engaged stakeholders, including representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), private planning firms, the Ontario Landowners Association, universities and local farms.

As the feedback period for the Land Use Planning Review drew to a close, discussion of protecting water and building complete communities heated up. Read our highlights, plus learn about our Into the Greenbelt program and new ways to enjoy the Greenbelt in November!

As the feedback period for the Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review drew to a close, discussion of housing affordability, land supply, the Growth Plan, and building complete communities has heated up. 

Photo in the Visualizing Density series by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs

In February 2015, Ontario embarked on a review of four land use plans, including the Greenbelt Plan and the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH). The 18-month review period included town hall meetings and open houses, an advisory panel report, and an updated vision for the future of our region. The feedback period drew to a close on Monday, October 31. The Province will now review the thousands of letters you've sent and announce final amendments in spring 2017. Here are our top five highlights of the 2015 Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review.

Throughout October, as the deadline for the Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review approached, local organizations galvanized support for Growing Our Greenbelt. Here is a round-up of recent events by partners, friends, and relevant organizations. Thank you for your continued support and research!