The Greenbelt Foundation

Annual Report 2022-2023

Land Acknowledgement

The Greenbelt Foundation acknowledges that the land we meet on and strive to protect is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, and is now home to many other diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. The area we now call the Greenbelt consists of treaty lands. It is important that we learn about the history and continued presence of these treaties because we are all treaty people.

The lakes, rivers, and wetlands, as well as forests, ravines, and healthy farmlands in the Greenbelt have been stewarded and protected by the First Peoples since time immemorial and we are grateful to the First Peoples for their care of the land on Turtle Island. We respect and are inspired by the deep connection of kinship that Indigenous Peoples have with the land.

We acknowledge the truth of the events of the past and their continuing effects, and the enduring rights of Indigenous Peoples.

We recognize that the Greenbelt is based on a land management plan developed by settlers, and we as a Foundation have a responsibility to ensure the work we do reflects the continued efforts and rights of the First Peoples of this land.

We will continue to look for ways to align our mandate with the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and further educate ourselves on Indigenous Knowledge Systems that can inform and support our mandate to sustain the air, lands and waterways in the Greenbelt.

A Message From Our Chair

Mary Lou Tanner

Our vision is a vibrant and healthy Greenbelt.

This past year we have once again seen the benefits of the Greenbelt continue to come into sharp focus.

The Greenbelt serves Ontarians by providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, beneficial natural assets and features that help our region face the threats of climate change and as a source of fresh local food.

The Greenbelt Foundation plays a role of stewardship and investment in the Greenbelt, ensuring its strength and sustainability. A key asset for Ontario, the Greenbelt provides an estimated $9.6 billion annual contribution to Ontario's GDP, 177,700 full-time or full-time equivalent jobs, and $3.2 billion worth of ecosystem services provided to Ontario communities each year.

The unique benefits of the Greenbelt are becoming more important than ever as our population grows, as we continue to see increased need for local food in an uncertain world, and ever more demands on our water systems – all while confronting the challenges of a changing climate.

A central focus of our work has been supporting natural asset mapping and green infrastructure initiatives that improve Ontario’s climate resilience, ecosystem services and reduced risks and costs to communities. We are excited that this leading work will establish new opportunities for climate change adaptation and mitigation that are transferable to the rest of Ontario and Canada.

Additionally, I would like to share my gratitude on behalf of the Foundation for all of our donors and funders who make our work possible. The value of near urban nature and the Ontario Greenbelt continue to be top priority for many Ontario residents, and we thank you for your support. We look forward to continuing to work on your behalf to strengthen the Greenbelt’s natural integrity and the policies and programs that support it.

From the entire Board of Directors at the Greenbelt Foundation and our staff, I would like to thank the Government of Ontario for its ongoing financial support.

Here in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the most rapidly growing region in Canada, we are fortunate to have one of the world’s largest Greenbelts providing so many benefits to Ontarians. Together with all staff, we as the Board of Directors will continue to support the Foundation in stewarding and investing in the Greenbelt, for the benefit of all.

Mary Lou Tanner
Chair, Board of Directors, Greenbelt Foundation

A Message From Our CEO

Edward McDonnell

This year, the Greenbelt Foundation was proud to lead initiatives and programs to steward Ontario’s Greenbelt.

We continued our work to realize the full potential of this incredible Ontario resource by harnessing the power of our programs and partnerships to invest in a sustainable Greenbelt for generations to come. Ontario’s Greenbelt and its boundaries have not been such a widely discussed topic amongst Ontarians since its creation in 2005.

Because of this, our mission to maintain a thriving and sustainable Greenbelt has only become more integral to mitigating the effects of climate change, providing clean air and water, local food and enhancing natural infrastructure. With ever increasing awareness of its importance at home, the Ontario Greenbelt remains a benchmark for other greenbelt areas across the world. Our commitment to the important work of protecting and preserving our natural environment and farmland continues as does our relationship with our natural resources.

This past year, we worked with our partners to build capacity and strengthen the natural and agricultural systems in the Greenbelt. Healthy soil is key to the strength of our agricultural and larger natural systems and each farm’s productivity within them. Therefore, through our new Soil Health Program, we have been working to strengthen the known value of nature and create practical, evidence-based tools to support improved soil health. This program aims to ensure the economic viability of farming, boost the strength of local food systems, and further Ontario’s ecological sustainability goals.

Our work with our grantees EcoSchools Canada supported educating the next generation of environmental leaders on biodiversity by planting trees, creating gardens around their schools and in their communities and developing tools and resources that will build their knowledge. The collaboration between the Greenbelt Foundation and EcoSchools Canada is a large step in supporting environmental education and community-based initiatives.

We continue work to support restoring and conserving our precious wetlands and other natural assets. Ensuring that municipalities can utilize natural infrastructure to contribute to communities in important ways - flood mitigation, heat reduction and responding to extreme weather events – is a central focus of the Foundation’s work.

Thank you to our partners, stakeholders, donors, and funders. Without this diverse community of Greenbelt supporters, the work the Foundation undertakes to ensure a permanent, protected, and prosperous Greenbelt would not be possible. From all of us at the Greenbelt Foundation, we thank you for your interest in our work and look forward to continuing to support Ontario communities.

Edward McDonnell
CEO, Greenbelt Foundation

About the Foundation

For 18 years, the Greenbelt Foundation has been the champion of Ontario’s Greenbelt, promoting its benefits and helping it to provide measurable contributions to quality of life in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The Greenbelt Foundation has leveraged and invested over $100 million in strategic grants and programs, research and policy initiatives, as well as engagement and outreach activities. This work has contributed to a thriving local food and agriculture sector, strong rural economies, climate-resilient communities, and accessible greenspace for the one in three Canadians who call the Greater Golden Horseshoe home.

The Greenbelt Foundation is the only organization solely dedicated to ensuring Ontario’s Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous. We make the right investments in its interconnected natural, agricultural, and economic systems, to ensure a working, thriving Greenbelt for all. Ontario's Greenbelt is over two million acres of farmland, forests, wetlands, and rivers, working together to provide clean air, fresh water, and a reliable local food source.

Our work centers on protecting and investing in near-urban nature, natural infrastructure, and climate resilience; supporting local Greenbelt farmers and the rural agricultural sector and economy; promoting the vast and varied tourism and recreation opportunities that the Greenbelt offers; and engaging Ontarians in enjoying and helping to keep the Greenbelt thriving.

The Greenbelt

$9.6 billion contributed annually in economic activity

$3.2 billion contributed annually in ecosystem services

177,700 jobs supported (full-time or equivalent)

9 out of 10 Ontarians in favour of the Greenbelt

Spotlight: One Million Trees Program

The Greenbelt Foundation is focused on native tree, shrub, and other vegetation plantings that increase natural cover in the Greenbelt, contribute to biodiversity, and create greater climate resilience for Ontario residents.

This year, with the support of the Province of Ontario, we achieved a major milestone in our 1 Million Trees program by planting 500,000 trees in the Greenbelt. Throughout this two year long program we worked with leading organizations such as Forests Ontario, Conservation Ontario, individual conservation authorities, local stewardship groups, and others to expand and accelerate tree planting across the Greenbelt. This is a critical activity to advance climate and biodiversity goals.

The trees are planted strategically to restore ecological habitats and increase connectivity; build resilient communities and reduce flood risks, extreme heat, drought and water pollution; as well as store carbon and increase greenspace.

Through this program, municipalities and private landowners across Ontario’s Greenbelt are able to plant trees at a reduced cost. The program aims to improve social equity by prioritizing areas with high racial diversity and low natural cover, support Indigenous culture, and protect prime agricultural lands and rare habitats by planting on lands that add to or link to an existing forest.

The Greenbelt offers many ways for Ontarians to connect with nature. From urban river valleys that offer respite from modern life to hundreds of kilometres of cycling and hiking trails, there’s something for everyone in the Greenbelt.

Through research and investments, the Greenbelt Foundation helps drive tourism and recreation in the Greenbelt. This supports rural economies and helps Ontarians understand the multitude of opportunities the Greenbelt offers for enjoying a low-carbon, healthy active lifestyle, particularly during COVID-19.

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Did you know?

Over 76 million people visit the Greenbelt each year, contributing $8.3 billion in GDP and supporting 161,500 local jobs in the tourism and recreation sector.

Greenbelt to Great Lakes Cycling Experiences with Waterfront Regeneration Trust / Greenbelt Route

From August 7-12, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust (WRT), in partnership with the Greenbelt Foundation, CAA and Simcoe County, hosted a six-day, 450-kilometre event. The 2022 Great Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA) featured a circular route, starting and ending at the Blue Mountains, and it took riders from South Georgian Bay's coastline to Lake Simcoe's shores and back.

During this time, the Simcoe County loop was added for the first time to the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure.

The County of Simcoe is the latest addition to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. This expansion adds 255 kms and connects the Trail to 1023 kms of additional road cycling in Simcoe County. It connects a number of local waterfront trails, including: Tay Shore Trail, Tiny Trail, Penetanguishene’s Rotary Trail, Uhtoff Trail, Barrie’s Waterfront Heritage Trail, the Oro-Mendonte Rail Trail and the Greg Stobart Trail—all examples of how communities celebrate their waterfronts and heritage.

This year’s ride sold out in just 2 weeks demonstrating the growing popularity of cycling, the allure of Ontario’s Great Lakes waterfront and growing reputation of the County of Simcoe as a premier cycling destination. Cyclists just can’t get enough. - Marlaine Koehler
Executive Director Waterfront Regeneration Trust

Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network (NEBN) / Signage and Indigenous Leadership

This project aims to raise awareness of the ecological significance of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere (NEB) and Greenbelt by supporting access to nature and enhancing Greenbelt tourism experiences.

The first step of the project is to identify locations where biodiversity and cultural information will be collected to then develop signages with QR code. These signs aim to educate people about the NEB, its biodiversity, and its importance in terms of ecosystem services and cultural traditions.

NEBN and its partners will support the development of educational material such as maps and several info-sheets for various areas of the NEB. They will also digitize education materials, including the integration of Greenbelt key messaging, making them available on the NEBN website.

It is a great opportunity to celebrate our status as part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and some of the specific geologically and ecologically significant elements of the biosphere on campus. - Tim Kenyon
Vice-President, Research, Brock University

Plenty Canada / Wisdom from Knowledge: Biocultural Mapping / Greenbelt Indigenous Field Guide and Survey

The Nbwaakaawining binjibaamgad Gkendmaawziwin Wisdom from Knowledge: Documenting and Sharing the Indigenous Biocultural Richness of the Greenbelt grant with Plenty Canada is an Indigenous-led project that helps to build stronger Indigenous relationships across the region, showcases the Greenbelt as an important Indigenous cultural landscape and aligns with the Foundation’s objective to support Indigenous-led initiatives that conserve nature. The project documents and shares Indigenous bio-cultural knowledge through the identification of culturally significant species and histories of Indigenous locations in the Greenbelt.

Ethnobotanical researchers, with the counsel of Indigenous elders and experts, compiled data across the Greenbelt and mapped significant sites. In total, 23 study sites across the Greenbelt were identified based on knowledge of Indigenous occupation and use. Study sites selected appear along or adjacent to historic Indigenous trails and portages and were identified via literature research, consultation of historic text and cartographic documents, Indigenous oral history, and archaeological records. At each site, 69 vegetation sampling plots were randomly located, where 135 culturally significant species were identified including 20 abiotic variables describing topography, surface characteristics, soil and light were recorded, 1,204 vascular vegetation specimens were collected and given a unique field ID and recorded at the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario Herbarium. Data collected and analyzed during the project will create content for the interactive Greenbelt Cultural Indigenous Map and field guide. Once completed, these resources will serve as a foundation of information that will help to identify culturally significant spaces and species within the Greenbelt and support education and knowledge transfer about their history.

Near Urban Nature - Enhancing Climate Resiliance

To increase Protected and Conserved Areas in the Greenbelt and Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) and contribute to Canada’s biodiversity target of protecting 25 per cent of lands and waters by 2025, we have supported Ontario Nature’s partnership with municipalities, Conservation Authorities and provincial staff to assess public lands and confirm their status to be counted towards the target. Using a new conservation tool, more adaptable in urban areas, the project highlights examples of appropriate lands and model policies for land management practices and supports an effort to increase participation of regional partners to protect biodiversity.

Ontario Nature has released an online primer and a corresponding brochure, to help build awareness of the climate benefits that wetlands provide. The primer and brochure highlight three key climate mitigation and adaptation benefits:

  1. Carbon Storage: Wetlands accumulate large amounts of carbon in soils and plant matter, mitigating climate change by reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
  2. Flood Mitigation: Like sponges, wetlands are able to absorb and store excess water, thereby mitigating the impacts of heavy rainfall and storms.
  3. Biodiversity Support: Wetlands provide habitat for a wide range of species, including many species at risk, enhancing resilience and aiding in climate adaptation.

The “Greenbelts Around the World Responding to Local and Global Challenges” Report

A new report published by the Greenbelt Foundation, Greenbelts Around the World Responding to Local and Global Challenges, seeks to better understand Ontario’s Greenbelt within a global context. The report analyzes eight international Greenbelt case studies to identify trends, opportunities and challenges, with a focus on nature-based solutions to climate change, outdoor recreation and tourism, growth management and the agricultural system.

The new report provides an update on how greenbelts around the world have evolved since the Greenbelt Foundation’s previous global study was published in 2010. Researchers investigated how greenbelts are adapting to respond to current and emerging conditions in different regions across the planet. The study was conducted based on a review of academic literature, government policy, media articles, and interviews with international greenbelt experts. The insights gaib are aimed to provide general recommendations for greenbelts and specific guidance for the Ontario Greenbelt.

The Greenbelt Foundation is committed to implementing native tree, shrub, and other vegetation plantings that increase natural cover in the Greenbelt and adjacent areas.

These efforts will have positive long-term impacts on public health, while improving access to greenspace, and increasing climate resilience for communities. The Foundation has initiated a major program with leading organizations such as Forests Ontario, Conservation Ontario, individual conservation authorities, local stewardship groups, and others to expand and accelerate tree planting across the Greenbelt. This is a critical activity to advance climate and biodiversity goals.

forest icon

Did you know?

Forest cover in the Greater Golden Horseshoe currently stands below Environment and Climate Change Canada’s 30 per cent target for healthy forests. Planting 54 million native trees will help us reach this target.

Alderville First Nation and Mitigomin Native Plant Nursery

With the Mitigomin Native Plant Nursery Project (MNPN), the Foundation built an Indigenous-run sustainable native plant nursery in the eastern Greenbelt within Alderville First Nation and Northumberland County. The project funds coordination, professional services and other activities required to see the nursery through to operation in 2023.

Mitigomin Native Plant Nursery addresses concerns within the restoration supply chain by removing ambiguity in the chain of custody. The MNPN fills a gap between supply and demand in the Rice Lake Plains by cultivating plants from local remnant genetics through a combination of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science practices. The MNPN greenhouse was built using a Passive Solar design and a Ground-to-Air Heat Transfer system, making it a stand-out example of green building.

Wetlands, river valleys, forests, and other green features are examples of natural assets that provide quantifiable infrastructural services to surrounding communities. They prevent flooding, reduce temperatures during heat waves, purify fresh water, and provide greenspace for healthy, outdoor recreation, among other services. By formally managing, accounting for, and investing in these assets, municipalities can save on infrastructure costs, improve their region’s resilience to climate change, and create stable, full-time jobs for local workers.

Additionally, the Greenbelt as an ecological corridor is critical to biodiversity in southern Ontario, which happens to be one of the most biodiverse areas of the country. The connectivity of natural systems in the Greenbelt allows for species migration and endangered species to find suitable habitat.

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Did you know?

With the support of the Province of Ontario, the Greenbelt Foundation is Canada’s largest third-party investor in municipal natural asset management programs. Our vision is to mainstream the protection and use of natural assets, and to make near-urban nature an integral part of key government environmental conservation programs.

Natural Asset Management Program

The Greenbelt Foundation hosted a virtual workshop titled “Recommendations to Advance Municipal Natural Asset Management in Ontario” last June. The purpose of this workshop was to review the results of research conducted by University of Waterloo students this past winter on recommendations to overcome barriers in advancing municipal natural asset management in Ontario. Partners who attended this event were leading experts in this field, some of whom participated in this research as interviewees, and discussed the relevance and opportunities of a select set of recommendations from the research.

Quantifying the Health Impacts and Associated Economic Benefits of Natural Infrastructure to Enable Investments in Greenbelt Municipalities (2023)

Climate projections for southern Ontario suggest the rate of extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves, intense precipitation and windstorms will increase dramatically during this century, which will result in significant economic losses and will have a negative impact on the human health and well-being.. This project builds on our heat modelling work by further developing the model to include the role of natural infrastructure in reducing the impact of floods and extreme wind on health responses and associated economic outcomes.

Natural Asset Management – Good Practice Guidebook

We are funding Natural Assets Initiative (NAI) to create a Good Practice Guidebook for local governments that will include recommendations on how to develop each section of a natural asset management plan. This will help provincial governments to understand acceptable requirements for incorporating natural infrastructure into asset management plans. Main activities include: research and analysis through key information interviews with select provincial ministries; a stakeholder workshop series; validation workshop on draft guidebook; and promotion of the guidebook.

Natural Asset Management – Municipal and Conservation Authority Outreach

We are partnering with the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority to provide direct support to Greenbelt municipalities to work towards meeting provincial deadlines for asset management planning, focusing on natural infrastructure assets:

  • July 1, 2024 – plans are required for all municipal assets.
  • July 1, 2025 - plans are required to include service levels and their appropriateness; a lifecycle management and financial strategy; funding sources and needs; and other assumptions.

They will also help with engaging Greenbelt area conservation authorities to identify how CAs can support natural asset management, identify capacity and resource needs and a potential collaborative framework focused on results and minimizing costs.

Town of Pelham & Town of Lincoln

The Foundation is working with the town of Pelham on a project that advances the use of natural infrastructure as a cost-effective and sustainable solution to address climate change impacts and maintain community services. This project is contributing to a growing network of municipalities engaged in natural asset planning and serves as an example for Niagara Region municipalities and Greenbelt Settlement Area communities. The main project activities include developing an overview of the current and future potential ecosystem services (i.e. stormwater management) contribution of natural assets, identifying strategies for securing these services long-term, and identifying knowledge gaps and areas where detailed modelling is required to support decision-making.

Similarly, together with the Town of Lincoln we have helped to improve stormwater management, mitigate urban flood risks, and increase climate resiliency through the creation and protection of urban tree canopy installations in a Greenbelt Settlement Area. The Town of Lincoln will be planting 183 native trees in Jordan Village, 25 of which will be planted using ‘soil cells’ technology. Soil cells protect critical water resources by storing stormwater, capturing rainwater, and sequestering contaminants. Soil cells are modular units designed to install under sidewalks and parking lots, enabling trees to accept, store and transmit water, nutrients and energy, while giving roots sufficient room to propagate.

The Greenbelt’s agricultural system is the cornerstone of Ontario's rural economy and provides residents of the Greater Golden Horseshoe with a reliable and diverse source of local food and drink.

With the support of the Greenbelt Foundation and through its protected status, Ontario’s Greenbelt preserves 750,000 acres of some of Canada’s most fertile farmland within one of its most favourable growing climates. Greenbelt farmland is in close proximity to Canada’s most densely populated region, making it a critical resource for advancing local food initiatives.

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Did you know?

The Greenbelt includes Ontario’s only two specialty crop areas—the Holland Marsh and the Niagara Tender Fruit and Grape Area—whose fertile soils and unique climate conditions allow Greenbelt farmers to grow over 50 per cent and 10 per cent of the province's fruits and vegetables, respectively.

Women in Agriculture

The Foundation increased education and awareness of female-identifying farmers and leaders in agriculture across the Greenbelt by launching its second Women in Agriculture campaign during Women’s History Month.

Using videos profiles, the Foundation shared their incredible work.

The video series profiled four women:

  • Liz Lambrick, Trained farmer and Board Chair for Country Heritage
  • Avia Eek, Holland Marsh farmer of 25 years and Municipal Councillor
  • Mel Lymus founder of Headlands Ag-enviro Solutions
  • Jacqueline Dwyer co-founder of the Toronto Black Farmers and Growers Collective

Throughout the campaign, the videos earned a combined 19,264 views and over 2,316 engagements.

Power of Soil Project with Équiterre and Soil Health Fact Sheets

We are delighted to announce the successful completion of our three-year Power of Soil project in partnership with Équiterre, and Ontario Agri-food partners. Throughout this period, we achieved significant milestones, producing three comprehensive research reports that have greatly contributed to our understanding of soil health and its impact on farmers and resilience.

One of the key outputs of this project is the publication of the technical and public-facing report titled "The Power of Soil: An Agenda for Change to Benefit Farmers and Resilience." This report delves deep into the dynamics of farmer adoption of soil health practices, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms and motivations behind their decisions. It offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by farmers and provides actionable recommendations to drive positive change.

Another important publication resulting from our Power of Soil project is "Towards a Business Case for Soil Health: A Synthesis of Current Knowledge on the Economics of Soil Health Practices in Ontario." This study examines the costs and benefits associated with six beneficial management practices, serving as a guide for farmers and policymakers alike. By illuminating the advantages and potential returns on investment, we empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and embrace sustainable soil health practices. Furthermore, in collaboration with Soils at Guelph, we developed six concise and informative fact sheets, each dedicated to one of the practices investigated in this report. These fact sheets outline the costs and benefits associated with adopting each practice, provide practical implementation tips, and showcase inspiring quotes from innovative farmers who have successfully embraced these practices. These resources aim to support farmers on their journey towards more sustainable agricultural practices and foster wider adoption throughout the region.

Throughout the course of this project, a dedicated roundtable of experts from organizations including the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Farm and Food Care Ontario, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, Soil Conservation Council of Canada, Farmers for Climate Solutions, Ontario Certified Crop Advisor Association, and the University of Guelph provided valuable guidance and governance.

The culmination of our Power of Soil project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to championing soil health and its pivotal role in agricultural sustainability. Through our research outputs and practical resources, we strive to empower farmers, inform policymakers, and drive positive change in the agricultural sector. Building upon the insights gained from our research, we remain committed to identifying opportunities for innovative policy and program design that align with the needs of Greenbelt farmers.

Soil Health Program

This year the Foundation was pleased to kick-off a four-year long Soil Health Program. The Foundation is providing Ontario farmers the opportunity to measure and evaluate the impact of different beneficial management practices (BMPs) on soil health. Through a regionally unique Soil Health Testing Program, the Foundation and the US-based Soil Health Institute will advance soil health assessment and management across Ontario, improving profits for farmers, boosting the strength of local food systems, and furthering Ontario’s ecological sustainability goals.

The Program aims to sample 300 to 500 farms in the Golden Horseshoe region. Once sampling is completed, participating farmers will receive customized soil health reports to compare soil health in their fields to similar soils in their region. The program will provide farmers with one-on-one support from experts, helping them to set goals, overcome barriers and get on course to build healthy, productive soils. The first phase of the project is underway with 2023 sampling being taken in Hamilton, Halton and Peel region.

Farmers know that healthy soils are key to productivity, while having the added benefits of supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health, but farmers can only manage what they can measure. This program enables farmers to measure soil health improvement associated with changes in management practices. - Jenny Bower
Research Soil Scientist at the Soil Health Institute

Ontario Tender Fruit

In 2016 and 2018 the Foundation provided Ontario Tender Fruit with grants resulting in more than 212,000 new trees, including peach, nectarine, plum, apricot, pear and sour cherry, and 200 new table grape vines being planted on approximately 765 acres of land across the Niagara Tender Fruit and Grape Area – one of the province’s only two specialty crop areas protected by Ontario’s Greenbelt.

The combined impact of this partnership has resulted in overall economic activity in Ontario of $25 million, including 335 full-time jobs sustained with associated wages and salaries of $13 million.

Additional funding has been provided by the Foundation for the 2021-2023 period to plant 75,000 new tender fruit trees and 10,000 new fresh grape vines in the Niagara region. This major investment in agriculture is part of an ongoing replant program to strengthen growing operations in the Greenbelt. The project supports tender fruit and fresh grape growers by increasing their yields and helping to sustain the industry through providing fresh, healthy, local fruit to Ontario consumers and bolstering our regional economy.

The funding has helped growers invest in newer varieties to get into the market earlier, extend the season and diversify their plantings. In these times of erratic weather patterns, diversification can help mitigate risk. - Phil Tregunno
Chair of Ontario Tender Fruit Growers

Through public outreach and engagement, the Greenbelt Foundation deepens public understanding of the Greenbelt, as well as how it contributes to a prosperous and sustainable future. We continued to focus on building awareness and improving understanding of the Greenbelt.

Earth Rangers

The Foundation continues its support of Earth Rangers' “Creating the Next Generation of Conservationists in Ontario” program, which builds on the success of Earth Ranger’s previous grant to engage kids and their families across the Greenbelt and Greater Golden Horseshoe. In 2022, with renewed Foundation support of $125,000 the Education and Action in the Greenbelt program built on the success of Earth Rangers' previous programs and continued the work to inspire kids and their families to interact with and protect nature.

This program increases awareness about the benefits provided by the Greenbelt among children aged 6-12 and their families. It includes a series of six community events that have been held throughout 2022 and 2023. Ontario families are invited out in the Greenbelt for a day of fun, tangible learning and collectively take action to help the environment.

These events meaningfully engage the community in activities that benefit the Greenbelt such as increasing forest cover, habitat connectivity, supporting local farmers, and emphasizing the role youth can play in protecting and keeping the Greenbelt healthy. During the reporting period, the fifth event “Stash the Trash” was hosted in partnership with the Ontario Government's Provincial Day of Action on Litter. Students from a local school, Greenbelt Foundation staff, Earth Rangers staff and government officials gathered together to help clean up a local park.

Children who participate in Earth Rangers are significantly more optimistic about the future of the planet and confident in their ability to make a difference. This has never been more important, as we increasingly see the impacts of climate change in real time and the corresponding media coverage of our planet becomes more bleak. Kids need and deserve to feel hopeful and empowered. Important partnerships, like the one with the Greenbelt Foundation, help Earth Rangers shape the next generation of environmental stewards – one eco-action at a time. - Tovah Barocas
President of Earth Rangers

EcoSchools

With support from the Foundation and through a new program called “Taking Action in the Greenbelt,” EcoSchools Canada’s national program has provided student-led EcoTeams (environmental clubs) with tools to raise awareness about the Ontario Greenbelt, encouraged students to conduct a biodiversity survey on their school grounds, and plant native species.

With $70,000 in funding from the Greenbelt Foundation, EcoSchools Canada developed tools and resources to teach students from kindergarten to grade 12 about native plants and biodiversity. To date, the Greenbelt Biodiversity action card has been selected by 199 schools from 57 school boards/districts across Canada, with a student reach of 103,533 students. Of this, 109 schools from 19 school boards with a student reach of 65,602 are in the Greenbelt or within 5km radius.

In May, the Foundation joined EcoSchools to celebrate our ongoing partnership and positive results by gathering together at Central French Immersion Public School. The event was an opportunity to highlight youth-led initiatives as well as increase public awareness and education of the importance of biodiversity and native plant species in the Greenbelt and Southern Ontario.

The work we do with EcoSchools Canada is crucial in getting students engaged in ecological enhancement and conservation initiatives. As our communities grow and the effects of climate change become more urgent, today’s youth will need the tools and skills to be environmental stewards and local leaders. - Edward McDonnell
CEO, Greenbelt Foundation

Student Placements

In the Fall 2022 and Winter 2023 terms, we hosted and supported projects for a total of 24 students from institutions such as the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto District School Board, Western University, and the University of Waterloo. These students actively participated in our initiatives focused on data collection and analysis, contributing to our project on Greenbelt indicators and research on natural asset management.

One notable collaboration involved students from the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo. Together, we embarked on a project dedicated to identifying and addressing barriers impeding the use of natural assets infrastructure by local governments in Ontario. In light of the growing impacts of climate change, policymakers are recognizing the need to reassess natural assets as essential core services that are cost-effective, resilient and appreciated over time. Our joint effort aimed to determine strategies for mainstreaming the adoption and implementation of natural asset infrastructure solutions across the province of Ontario.

These student placements with the Greenbelt Foundation provided an invaluable opportunity for the participants to gain practical work experience and receive training in the environmental and land-use planning sectors. By actively engaging in real-world projects, these students enhanced their skill sets and contributed to our collective mission of promoting sustainable practices in the region.

Our Partners and Donors

rbc foundation logo

We are grateful to RBC Foundation’s support through their Tech for Nature Program for leadership funding to help establish and scale our Natural Asset Management Program.

Funding supported the development and socialization of critical datasets and technology tools, capacity building programs and resources, that advanced the valuation and inclusion of natural assets in municipal asset management practices, policies and projects.

weston family foundation logo

We are thrilled to acknowledge the leadership support of the Weston Family Foundation for our project “Farmers and Soil Health: Motivating Change with Locally Relevant Soil Assessment”.

The partnership launches a 4-year project to develop a method for evaluating and monitoring soil health and an engagement strategy to advance the participation of farmers in the adoption of Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) to improvesoil function.

The project is part of the Weston Family Soil Health Initiative which seeks to expand the adoption of ecologically-based beneficial management practices that increase soil organic matter in order to improve biodiversity and resiliency on agricultural lands across Canada

Government of Ontario
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Metcalf Foundation
Ivey Foundation
The Charles Frederick Fell Foundation
The Echo Foundation
The McLean Foundation
The Hamilton Community Foundation
The Hodgson Family Foundation
The Peterborough KM Hunter Charitable Foundation
The Willowool Foundation
The Fitzhenry Family Foundation
The Klein-Panneton Foundation
The Charles Norcliffe Baker & Thelma Scott Baker Foundation
The Consecon Foundation
The Neptis Foundation
The McLean Smits Family Foundation
Chisholm Thomson Family Foundation
The Dalglish Family Foundation
Farm and Forest Foundation
RBC Global Asset Management
The Philip Smith Foundation
Niagara Community Foundation
Douglas and Margaret Derry Foundation

Message from our Director of Community Relations and Partnerships

Thank You to our Community of Donors!

On behalf of the Greenbelt Foundation, I would like to share my gratitude for the support provided by our community of partners and donors.

Thanks to the Government of Ontario, and the various Family and Corporate Foundations who have given so generously, the Foundation has been able to strengthen our programs focused on restoring the natural integrity and vitality of the Greenbelt.

Thank you also to all the individual and monthly donors who gave a gift in response to our annual appeal. The value of near urban nature, access to greenspace, a strong local sustainable agricultural system and the natural systems that provide us clean air and water continue to make Ontario’s Greenbelt a source of pride for all those it serves.

We look forward to continuing to work on your behalf to strengthen the natural systems of the Greenbelt and its many communities.

Warmly,
Cheryl Weldon
Director of Community Relations & Partnerships

Project Funding for Nature-Based Solutions

The Greenbelt Foundation proudly acknowledges the following Lead Partners and Family Foundations who support our Natural Asset Management Program to advance policies, programs and projects that support nature-based solutions as municipal services.

Leadership Partners

  • RBC Foundation, Tech for Nature Program
  • Echo Foundation
  • Neptis
  • McLean Foundation
  • Hamilton Community Foundation

Family Foundations

  • Charles Frederick Fell Charitable Fund
  • Hodgson Family Foundation
  • Chisholm Thomson Family Foundation
  • The Willowool Foundation
  • The Fitzhenry Family Foundation
  • Charles Norcliffe Baker & Thelma Scott Baker Foundation
  • Daglish Family Foundation
  • Consecon Foundation
  • Douglas and Marcus Derry Foundation

Core Support for 1 Million Trees, Native Plants and Indigenous Conservation

We are grateful to the unprecedented numbers of new donors and local Family Foundations who have helped us plant 500,000 of the first 1 million Greenbelt Trees in the pipeline and supported foundational Native Plant Nurseries led by Indigenous communities.

Thank you to the Peterborough KM Hunter Foundation and the Klein-Panneton Family Foundation for your ongoing support.

Thank you to our individual and monthly donors who share our passion for forests, native species and Indigenous Conservation.

Grantee List
April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023

Prosperous Greenbelt

  • Berry Growers of Ontario
  • Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association
  • Corporation of the Town of Georgina
  • Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
  • Greenbelt Markets
  • Green Thumbs Growing Kids
  • Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
  • Niagara Peninsula Aspiring Global Geopark
  • Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation
  • Ontario Farmland Trust
  • Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Ontario Tender Fruit Growers
  • Plenty Canada
  • Shake Up The Establishment
  • The Shared Path Consultation Initiative
  • Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
  • Township of Uxbridge
  • Waterfront Regeneration Trust

Resilient Greenbelt

  • Alderville First Nation Black Oak Savanna
  • ALUS Canada
  • Carolinian Canada Coalition
  • EcoSchools Canada
  • EcoSpark Environmental Organization
  • Environment Hamilton
  • Earth Rangers
  • Farms At Work
  • Equal Ground Community Gardens
  • Forests Ontario
  • Grand River Environmental Network
  • Green Communities Canada
  • Hamilton Conservation Foundation
  • Ontario Nature
  • Ontario Parks Association / GIO
  • Plenty Canada
  • Save the Oak Ridges Moraine
  • Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition
  • Smart Prosperity Institute
  • The Town of Lincoln
  • Wildlands League
  • The Sustainability Project (Former name: Grey Bruce Sustainability Network)

Expansion Consultation Fund

  • EcoSpark
  • Greenbelt West Coalition
  • Ontario Farmland Trust
  • Rescue Lake Simcoe Charitable Foundation
  • Wildlands League

Reports List
April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023

Financials

In 2022–2023, the Greenbelt Foundation invested in a range of key partnerships, educational initiatives, research and policy work, and community programs.

Year ended March 31, 2023 / Our charitable ratio: 85 per cent

Expenditures

grants $1,500,624; awareness & education $967,475; research & policy $607,376; community programs $556.959
management & general $503,531; fundraising, business development $141,007

* Each year, KPMG audits our financial records. Our full financial audit can be found online at greenbelt.ca/accountability

Thank You

The Greenbelt Foundation is made up of a vibrant team of program leaders, research and policy experts, development and communications advisors, and much more. We come together with varied expertise to support a unified vision of keeping the Greenbelt a healthy, resilient, and productive working landscape for Ontario—and one of Canada’s best resources in addressing climate change. We would not be able to achieve any of our work without the dedicated support of our funders, partners, and community members like you.

the greenbelt team