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.
As Ontario grows at an unprecedented rate, we are keenly aware of the critical need for the Greenbelt’s unique benefits and resources, We are grateful for continued funding from the Government of Ontario,"
The investment will allow the Foundation to continue the important work to ensure that the Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous. The funding will be used to:
- Protect, maintain, or improve the Greenbelt’s ecological and hydrological systems and functions, and biodiversity, by:
- increasing native trees and other plants
- restoring or naturalizing shorelines, riparian areas, wetlands, and streams
- improving the habitat of species at risk
- increasing natural areas and cover (For example, woodlands, grasslands, and river valleys)
- Improve awareness and increase opportunities for the public to experience and enjoy the Greenbelt through outdoor recreational activities, access to nature (parks and trails) and other sustainable tourism activities.
- Maintain and increase green infrastructure and climate resilience in the Greenbelt and its surrounding residential communities.
- Improve awareness and understanding of the Greenbelt.
These efforts will build on a history of the Foundation working with the province since the Greenbelt’s inception in 2005.
As the only organization in Canada solely focused on stewarding, protecting and strengthening the Greenbelt, with the generous support of the Government of Ontario, the Foundation makes strategic investments through its grants program in important activities, sectors and communities throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region. It also undertakes assessments, plans and strategies and ongoing outreach and education to allow people to engage with the Greenbelt’s natural spaces, recreational and tourism opportunities, and vibrant agricultural sector that collectively generate over $9.6 billion annually for Ontario’s economy.
"As Ontario grows at an unprecedented rate, we are keenly aware of the critical need for the Greenbelt’s unique benefits and resources,” said Edward McDonnell, CEO of the Greenbelt Foundation. “We are grateful for continued funding from the Government of Ontario, which allows us to ensure that Ontarians can benefit from the clean air and water, natural spaces and local food sources that the Greenbelt provides.”
“Renewing the Greenbelt Foundation funding will help promote Ontario’s Greenbelt as a vibrant natural resource for fresh air, clean water, local food, and world class outdoor recreation and tourism,” said Andrea Khanjin, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Greenbelt Foundation to ensure Ontarians have greenspace to visit and enjoy.”
The Foundation is thankful for the government’s ongoing support and looks forward to continuing work across key program areas to strengthen Ontario’s climate resiliency and utilize the Greenbelt as an enabler for successful growth.
Quick Facts
- Established under the Greenbelt Act, 2005, the Greenbelt is a broad band of protected land that currently includes over 2 million acres (800,000 hectares) of property in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH).
- The Oak Ridges Moraine is a geological landform in south central Ontario that covers approximately 470,000 acres (190,000 hectares) and is part of the Greenbelt.
- The GGH is one of the fastest growing regions in North America. By 2051, its total population is forecasted to be about 15 million.
- Lands added to the Greenbelt in 2022 total 9,400 acres (3,800 hectares) including 13 Urban River Valley areas and lands in the Paris Galt Moraine area.
About the Greenbelt Foundation
The Greenbelt Foundation is the only organization solely dedicated to ensuring the Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous. The Foundation operates as an independent, charitable organization, and receives core funding from the Government of Ontario as well as other public and private support to make strategic investments that enhance and improve the systems and productivity of the Greenbelt.
Now a world-class model for land use policy, Ontario’s Greenbelt spans over two million acres of protected natural landscapes, farmlands, and urban river valleys. For more information, visit: www.greenbelt.ca.
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For media inquiries:
Serena Luk
[email protected]
Content and Media Relations Manager
The Greenbelt Foundation
416-960-0001