In the densely populated cities and suburbs of southern Ontario, the idea of finding a slice of nature to set aside for conservation can seem impossibly difficult.
Urban and suburban boundaries sprawl out ever further, bumping into natural spaces as the population grows. Developers and environmentalists, meanwhile, spar over the fragmented green space that remains.
But there are conservation opportunities just waiting to be unlocked, says the Southern Ontario Nature Coalition (SONC), a group of environmental, Indigenous and agricultural groups. The key, SONC outlines in a new plan for a near-urban nature network, is to think beyond traditional ideas like provincial parks and start looking to private landowners and Indigenous communities as stewards of the land.
Posted: May 01, 2021 12:36 PM ET | Last Updated: May 1
Retired MPP and environment minister in the ‘90’s who voted against the creation of the Greenbelt will now oversee its development.
The Ontario government has appointed a former environment minister to chair the Greenbelt Council in a move that has some environmentalists shaking their heads.
Retired MPP Norm Sterling replaces David Crombie, who resigned as chair with six other members of the council in December to protest proposed government rules that they said would gut environmental protections in Ontario.
An NDP MPP and an environmentalist are speaking out against the appointment of Sterling, who served under former Progressive Conservative Premier Mike Harris in the 1990s.
The expansion could offer economic, social and environmental benefits to the area
Ontario s Greenbelt is the world s largest, with over two million acres of farmland, forests, wetlands and rivers working together to provide clean air, fresh water, and a reliable local food source. (Photo: Greenbelt Foundation)
March 12, 2021
The provincial government recently announced its plans for potentially the largest expansion of the Ontario Greenbelt since its inception, to include additional critical water systems, as well as the Paris-Galt Moraine, a glacial deposit that is essential for headwaters. But what does that ultimately mean? What are the advantages, what needs to be considered on an environmental level and on a recreational level?
February 25, 2021 · 0 Comments
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.”
Posted: Feb 23, 2021 3:17 PM ET | Last Updated: February 23
According to the city, between 2021 and 2051, Hamilton is expected to grow by 236,000 people and 122,000 jobs, and a future urban boundary expansion growth area may be required to accommodate population growth.(Terry Asma/CBC)