© Peter Pomykacz
About
Our Greenway vision for southern and eastern Ontario is simple: a connected landscape made livable through the protection, restoration and enhancement of its biodiversity and natural features.
To achieve this, we’re working with Indigenous communities, farmers, conservation organizations, communities, businesses, land-use planners and governments to:
- Promote stewardship;
- Strengthen land-use policy; and
- Secure core habitat.
Niagara Region Farm © Tim Hagen
Grow the Greenbelt
Good news – After years of Ontario Nature and our partners calling for Greenbelt expansion, it looks like it may finally happen. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has pledged to grow the Greenbelt.
So far, the Ministry is considering adding the Paris Galt Moraine and public lands within urban river valleys. While these suggestions are welcome, a much more ambitious approach is needed to protect precious farmland, groundwater and natural areas across the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) and build the region’s resilience to climate change.
© Peter Pomykacz
Benefits
- Healthier wildlife populations and habitats
- Cleaner water and healthier water systems
- Greater ability to respond to drought, flooding, extreme weather events and other anticipated impacts of climate change
- Improved human health
- Enhanced recreational opportunities
© Keith Levit
What We Are Doing
ALUS Canada – Working with farmers to maintain a healthy environment
Conservation Offsetting – Compensating for the negative impacts of development on biodiversity
Natural heritage systems planning – Advocating for a stronger, more connected landscape
Voluntary certification of pits and quarries – Balancing aggregate extraction with the need to enhance ecological integrity
Oak Ridges Moraine © Isabel Veldhuis
Why it Matters
Towns, cities, farms, roads, dams, quarries and other forms of development dominate the landscape of southern Ontario. Such intensive development has come at a cost to human and ecosystem health.
The fertile soils, temperate climate and abundant freshwater that define this corner of the province offer vital habitat for many of Canada’s most rare and vulnerable plants and animals.
The area has been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years and now hosts 92 percent of Ontario’s population.
Nature’s benefits are valued at more than $84 billion per year in southern and eastern Ontario. Benefits include water filtration, pollination, soil formation, erosion control and carbon storage.
Halton © Margonaut
Resources
Thanks to the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation for their support of this program. You can also visit the Greenbeltfresh food website.
