Farming in Ontario's Greenbelt: Possibility Grows Here – 1MB

Co-authoured by professor Wayne Caldwell, of the University of Guelph, and recognized expert on agricultural and rural planning issues, Farming in Ontario’s Greenbelt: Possibility Grows Here, provides recommendations to ensure economic prosperity and viability of farming in Ontario.

Yesterday, I went to the grocery store to stock up on the essentials for the week. I’ve always enjoyed perusing the aisles of my local grocery store, letting my mind wander while shopping on autopilot. This last time however, as I stood in front of the egg cooler, I found myself paying attention.

I am a sports fan and have been for most of my life. The athleticism, team work, spectacle, and peak performance are a great thrill. Growing up in Germany, soccer was king. Now it’s hockey.

For the past 4 years, the U of T food services has commandeered Willcocks Commons and showcased the best of fresh Ontario food at its Field to Fork Festival. This year was extra special, because the event also celebrated the launch of the UeaT Take the Local Food Challenge initiative, whereby students sign up and pledge to buy, eat, and request local food on campus, and off. 

On Wednesday, September 18, a group of us drove out to the 30^th Annual Grape Growers of Ontario celebrity luncheon, an event we have supported since 2006. This year’s luncheon featuredbest known for his hit TV shows on home do-it-yourself such as House of Bryan and Disaster DIY.

Oakville, Burlington, and Milton—all great places to live and raise a family. All three of these areas are part of the emergent Halton Region, which now boasts a large area legally protected by Ontario’s Greenbelt. Recently, Milton also became home to one of our offices—located in the old Puslinch Township Hall at Country Heritage Park (the Town Hall building was moved from Puslinch and relocated to the Park as a historical preservation measure).

Preparing for a Successful 2015 Review

The scheduled provincial review of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act in 2015, presents an opportunity to celebrate the Moraine’s importance as the “rainbarrel” and source of clean drinking water for eight million residents in southern Ontario. A coalition of environmental organizations including Earthroots, Ecospark, Ontario Nature, and STORM, will also engage the public and key stakeholders to assess the Act’s impact and opportunities to strengthen protection, particularly in conserving groundwater resources and curbing the practice of burying of contaminated fill in the Moraine.

On September 13, 2013, we did a Telephone Town Hall talking to over 4,000 people in Burlington about the Greenbelt and local food. Guest chef, Jeff Crump shared the recipe for one of his favorite soups – a classic butternut squash soup. Last weekend, my kids and I made it. It was delicious and a great family activity. My two-year-old son and four-year-old daughter (who asked me to mention that she has since turned five) helped scoop out the seeds, puree the cooked squash and onions, and try it three times without any arguments because they had helped make it.

On September 17, 2013, I joined over a hundred guests at Patagonia’s Toronto store to celebrate the launch of a new campaign aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle, outdoor recreation and ultimately, showing love for Toronto’s beautiful ravines, the Don and the Humber.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2013 

TORONTO, IT'S TIME TO LOVE THE RAVINES

New Campaign Showcases City’s Most Precious Resource 

 Today a diverse group of businesses and environmental groups launched a Love the Ravines campaign inviting Torontonians to explore, enjoy and protect these spectacular natural features. The campaign educates residents about the many social, environmental and economic benefits they deliver and inspires residents to celebrate these wild places.