On February 28, 2005, the Greenbelt Act was passed by the Ontario government, creating one of the world’s largest Greenbelts, permanently protecting over 2 million acres of highly productive farmland and environmentally sensitive areas.
Why the Greenbelt is Important to all Ontarians
Climate change, global food supply chain disruptions, population growth, and the biodiversity crisis make the Greenbelt more important than ever. We need specific actions to ensure the Greenbelt continues to be a unique asset for Ontario now and into the future.
All major provincial parties have expressed support for protecting and enhancing Ontario’s Greenbelt, and this Candidate Brief highlights important areas of concern and outlines specific ways in which all provincial parties and candidates can discuss and demonstrate their support.
We are asking all provincial parties and candidates to support a number of commitments that will ensure the Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous. With your support, the Greenbelt’s 2.1 million acres of protected farmland, forests, wetlands, and rivers, can continue to provide clean air, fresh water, and a secure local food source to all Ontarians.
Commitments to ensure the Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous:
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Invest in local food, agriculture, and agri-business to build local resilience and sustain the regional economy, including rural jobs
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Invest in the restoration of Greenbelt natural systems and connectivity
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Expand and increase equitable access to public greenspaces across the region
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Reduce the impact of linear infrastructure and resource extraction
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Protect and expand the existing Greenbelt boundaries
86 per cent of Ontarians agree that the Greenbelt is one of the most important contributions of our generation to the future of Ontario.
What can this future look like?
Read the full Candidate Brief:
Download an Ontario Greenbelt poster:
