January 10, 2013
MOMENTOUS LANDMARK REACHED
Ontario Government Announces Expansion of Greenbelt
The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation applauds Premier Dalton McGuinty on his announcement on expanding Ontario’s Greenbelt.
At more than 1.8 million acres of protected green space, Ontario’s Greenbelt is the world’s largest Greenbelt, preserving productive agricultural lands, ecologically valuable lands and contributing more than $9 billion to the province’s economy each year.
“In an increasingly urbanized world where clean air, fresh water, healthy local food and a thriving economy are essential for success – Ontario’s Greenbelt is the solution,” said Burkhard Mausberg, CEO, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.
The expansion includes the addition of 265 hectares of land in Oakville in the form of the Glenorchy Conservation Area. Also included is a new urban river valley designation, allowing municipalities to conserve and protect important waterways while ensuring their complex planning needs are met.
“This is the right balance for growing the Greenbelt. We look forward to working with municipalities to ensure that valuable lands along urban rivers are protected and maintained for many generations to come,” said Mausberg.
About the Greenbelt:
Fresh air, clean water, healthy local food – all brought to you by Ontario’s Greenbelt. At more than 1.8 million acres, it’s the world’s largest permanently protected greenbelt, keeping our farmlands, forests, and wetlands safe and sustainable. The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation works to help keep farmers successful, strengthen local economies, and protect and grow natural features. Join us! Learn more at: www.greenbelt.ca or find us on Twitterand Facebook
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Contact:
Sarah Petrevan
Communications Director
(416) 960-0001, ext. 337
Carla Balabanowicz
Communications Specialist
(416) 960-0001, ext. 306
For more on the announcement: