Ontario Greenbelt Polling 2011 – 3.01 MB

Now in its sixth year, support for Ontario’s Greenbelt remains strong according to a recent poll conducted by Environics Research Group.

"Red, blue or orange, regardless of political preference, the Greenbelt enjoys great loyalty," said Burkhard Mausberg, CEO of the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.

Awareness has remained steady over the past few years with nine out of ten agreeing that the Greenbelt is one of the most important contributions to the future of Ontario. Providing natural water systems, preserving key agricultural land and ensuring a local food source, the Greenbelt is important to the economy and well-being of those living in and around the Greenbelt.

"As one of the most important natural resources in the province, it is promising to see the Greenbelt garnering such fantastic support," said Mausberg. "Get out and enjoy one of Ontario’s treasures, whatever the season."

The highest growth in the 2011 poll was seen around the topic of local food: a growing number of Ontarians who recognize food as a key benefit of the Greenbelt. In fact, a jump of 10 per cent was seen across all local food topics, such as agreement that locally grown foods support local farmers (96 per cent, up from 86 per cent), and that it is environmentally friendly (87 per cent, up from 72 per cent). The Greenbelt is home to some of the most unique growing conditions in the world, from tender fruit in Niagara to the Holland Marsh, this region will continue to prosper and provide a fresh source of local food for the province.