Ontario Supports the Greenbelt Foundation

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $12 million over the next three years to support the Greenbelt Foundation’s ongoing work to protect, promote and improve the Greenbelt in the Golden Horseshoe region. The projects delivered through this funding will focus on planting trees to increase natural cover, enhancing recreational opportunities for people to experience nature, and maintaining and enhancing green infrastructure and climate resilience.

“The Greenbelt is an important part of our province consisting of farmland, forests, wetlands and watersheds, it is a natural treasure,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “It’s important to support the ongoing work of the Greenbelt Foundation so it can protect and enhance this vital area – for the benefit of Ontarians today and for future generations.”

The investment will enable the Greenbelt Foundation to continue its work by offering grants, supporting research, and providing information, knowledge and awareness about the Greenbelt. The funding will support the delivery of four key programs:

• Funding for projects and activities such as native tree, shrub and other vegetation plantings to increase natural cover, along with projects that create opportunities to experience the Greenbelt.
• Research to improve knowledge and understanding of the Greenbelt and its benefits.
• Developing partnerships with community groups and organizations to help support projects that protect and restore the Greenbelt.
• Public outreach to increase knowledge, awareness and understanding of the Greenbelt, and its social, rural economic and recreational opportunities.

“The Greenbelt Foundation welcomes funding from the Government of Ontario and will invest in projects, programs, and outreach initiatives that encourage people to engage with, experience, and enjoy everything the Greenbelt region has to offer,” said Edward McDonnell, CEO, Greenbelt Foundation. “We look forward to working with the Province and our partners to build on previous work and successes and ensure the Greenbelt’s natural and agricultural landscapes remain protected and continue to support thriving communities and rural economies.”

Protecting the Greenbelt for future generations, protecting and recovering our natural spaces and species, and supporting conservation efforts to preserve Ontario’s rich biodiversity are key commitments in the government’s Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.

Quick Facts

• The Greenbelt includes the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment, protected countryside and urban river valleys.
• The Greenbelt Foundation was established in 2005 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the Greenbelt. Provincial funding supports this organization’s efforts to help protect and restore the environmental and agricultural integrity of the Greenbelt area and enhance sustainable recreational and economic opportunities.
• Ontario has launched a 60-day consultation to grow the Greenbelt. Have your say by emailing greenbeltconsultation@ontario.ca or through the Environmental Registry of Ontario. The consultation closes on April 19, 2021.

SOURCE  Province of Ontario