Spring is finally upon us and it brings us warm weather that’s perfect for picnics, farmers’ markets and cycling. And with the 2013 Ontario Bike Summit coming up I’m becoming more and more interested in purchasing a bike and trying out one of the many cycling routes traipsing through Ontario’s greenbelt.

Commissioned by the Canadian Environmental Grantmakers’ Network (CEGN), this report outlines some of the key issues related to urban sustainability in Canada, profiles some of the promising approaches, and explores various roles that the philanthropic community could play in moving communities forward in this field. The executive summary is provided below; for the whole report, please visit cegn.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 14, 2013

ONTARIO GROUPS THANK GOVERNMENT OF CANADA FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL FOOD

Consumers will once again be able to seek out and enjoy local foods, thanks to actions taken today by the Government of Canada.

This announcement from Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Hon. Gerry Ritz addresses the concerns put forward by Ontario groups, regarding restrictive definitions of “local” food enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

On the first weekend in May, the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation travelled one of the Province’s most iconic urban river valleys by both foot and paddle: the Don River Valley. On Saturday, May 4th Foundation staff led a Jane’s Walk from Crothers’ woods to the Brickworks Farmers’ Market, covering topics from urban nature and river valley protection to local food and the importance of supporting our farmers. We even distributed local green salad mixes from Greenbelt farmers Rolling Hills Organics to participants in the walk!

World Crop Learning Garden 2013

This project supports a 2013 World Crop Learning Garden at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Vegetables grown in the demonstration and teaching gardens showcase new varieties that Greenbelt farmers are testing in their fields and using to build a commercial market.

As you may have heard, Toronto City Council is considering extending the Greenbelt along the Don River. Find out how this initiative will better protect the Don, one of Toronto’s most beloved rivers, and how you can bring the world’s largest Greenbelt into your city by joining us on May 4th for Greenbelt Walks the Don. You will also learn more about Growing the Greenbelt and new Urban River Valley designations. So come and experience the beauty of nature at the height of Spring and enjoy a sampling of delicious local food from Greenbelt farmers, Rolling Hills Organics!

On a brisk Saturday morning, full of sunshine and singing birds, a handful of dedicated and delightful community members are out on King Road in Hamilton taking out the trash. Literally. Or should I say, litter-ally.

 MORE FRESH, LOCAL ONTARIO FOOD COMING TO A CAFETERIA NEAR YOU

Greenbelt Fund Leads the Way for Local Food, Continues Grant Program