Ontario’s Greenbelt is 2 million acres of protected farmland, forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, one of the fastest growing regions in North America.

A world leader, Ontario’s Greenbelt consists of multiple ecologically and agriculturally significant areas, including the Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine, urban river valleys, and the Holland Marsh and Niagara Tender Fruit and Grape specialty crop areas.

For over twenty years, Ontario’s Greenbelt has been:

Supporting sustainable agriculture and local food systems
Safeguarding our precious water resources
Protecting diverse natural ecosystems
Mitigating against the impacts of climate change
Providing world-class outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities
Sustaining thriving rural economies

The protection and prosperity of Ontario’s Greenbelt is critical if we are to continue meeting the needs of our growing province for generations to come.

Greenbelt By the Numbers

750000

acres of highly productive farmland

$3.2 billion

contributed annually in ecosystem services

$17 billion

contributed annually in economic activity

247213

jobs (full-time or equivalent)

121

121 species at risk protected by the Greenbelt

9 out of 10

Ontarians in favour of the Greenbelt

Greenbelt
Foundation

Since 2005, the Greenbelt Foundation has been the only charitable organization solely dedicated to ensuring Ontario’s Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous.

Through strategic grant making and partnerships, community education and engagement, and research-informed policy recommendations and programs, the Foundation invests in the interconnected natural, agricultural, economic, and cultural systems of the Greenbelt. These investments in the Greenbelt ensure it enhances the quality of life for Ontarians and remains a vital safeguard for our future.

Land Acknowledgement

The Greenbelt Foundation acknowledges that the land we meet on and strive to protect is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat, and is now home to many other diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit 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

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.

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.

Message From
Our Chair & CEO

Franco Naccarato

Board Chair

Edward McDonnell

Chief Executive Officer

At a time of rising economic insecurities and global uncertainties, climate change pressures, and rapid population growth, Ontario’s Greenbelt is far more than just a protected landscape – it is a critical provincial strategic asset and [is] the key to a healthier and more sustainable future for all Ontarians.

The Greenbelt provides us with opportunities to realize the full economic, health, and social benefits of the lands that sustain us, while preserving its precious natural assets and building long-term climate resilience. It teaches us that thoughtful, responsible land use planning is essential to supporting both environmental protection and the needs of a growing province, including housing affordability and healthy communities.

In 2025, the Greenbelt Foundation celebrated a significant milestone: 20 years of the Greenbelt, a living and breathing landscape that sustains our communities, supplies us with clean air and water, puts food on our tables, and provides greenspaces that enhance our wellbeing. Since the Greenbelt’s establishment in 2005, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to protect the Greenbelt’s world-class soils, preserve the vital ecosystems that support its rich diversity of species, sustain the communities that rely on it for their livelihoods, and foster the remarkable opportunities it provides for tourism and recreation.

This milestone belongs to all of us — all the incredible people and organizations we have had the privilege to work alongside. Together with farmers, conservationists, businesses, policymakers, and communities, we have collectively made the Greenbelt a global success story.

Taking part in this journey has been both inspiring and rewarding. Watching families connecting with Greenbelt trails, witnessing the strengthening of local food networks, and knowing our efforts are helping protect vital natural and water resources gives us confidence and hope for what lies ahead, despite the challenges we continue to face.

As we move beyond this anniversary year, these collaborations and moments of connection will continue to shape the Foundation’s work, strengthening relationships and building momentum to ensure the Greenbelt remains protected, celebrated, and supported for current and future generations.

Sincerely,
Franco Naccarato and Edward McDonnel

Our
Impact

2025-2026 was a year of tremendous activity and growth for the Greenbelt Foundation! This year we:

Released 9 data-driven report and policy submission on the Greenbelt’s agricultural benefits, economic opportunities, and environmental protection, growing the body of evidence- based research and recommendations necessary to strengthen Greenbelt sectors and regions.

Presented at 22 conferences and webinars, engaging directly with 2,320 participants, increasing stakeholder understanding of Greenbelt-related challenges and opportunities.

Supported 12 new grantees to host 70 community events and celebrations, engaging 132,483 community members, in honour of the Greenbelt’s 20th anniversary! We also hosted our own event celebration, honouring 6 deserving community members with the prestigious Friend of the Greenbelt award

Engaged over 66,000 community members through our newsletter and social media channels, increasing public awareness of the benefits the Greenbelt affords and the protections necessary to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our growing province. Also, the Greenbelt was featured in 700+ media stories!

Awarded almost $1.5 million dollars in grants, leveraging an additional $3.3+ million dollars in funding for projects that invest in Ontario’s strengths and the Greenbelt’s interconnected agricultural, ecological, economic, and cultural systems.

Through our 78 active grantees, these investments are:

Enhanced 627km of trail systems
Installing 74 new educational signs
Protecting and/or restoring 778 acres of land, 515 acres of which is habitat important to species at risk
Planting 252,000+ trees

Strengthening Agriculture
and Local Food Systems

Given its high concentration of world-class productive agricultural land (including specialty crop areas), the prevalence of food processing centers, and its proximity to the largest consumer markets in Canada, the Greenbelt is uniquely positioned to support and sustain thriving rural economies while ensuring Ontario’s food self-sufficiency in the face of changing economic realities.

Since strong local food systems are critical to meeting the demands of our growing province, the Greenbelt Foundation invests heavily in programs and activities that advance agricultural resiliency and strengthen the agrifood sector.

Signature Program Spotlight: Soil Health

Healthy soils are essential to resilient farms, cleaner water, biodiversity, and climate solutions. The Greenbelt Foundation’s Soil Health Program, developed in partnership with the Weston Family Foundation and RBC Foundation, helps farmers turn soil health data into practical on-farm action by connecting testing results to clear management decisions.

Through a farmer-first model, the program combines soil health testing, customized reports and management plans, in-person consultations with a Certified Crop Advisor, and ongoing one-to-one support. This hands-on approach gives farmers trusted, locally relevant guidance to adopt beneficial management practices, while events, webinars, publications, and reports extend learning across the agricultural community.

Since 2024, over 259 producers have participated in soil health testing. After receiving their reports and management plans, 66 percent adopted at least one new beneficial management practice (such as cover cropping or reducing tillage), representing 28,992 acres under improved management. The program has also delivered 12 on-farm events and webinars and produced 4 publications and reports. In 2025, in partnership with the Soil Health Institute, the Foundation released a first-of-its-kind study that provides farmers with clear, regionally relevant, and evidence-based benchmarks to assess the impact of their management practices on soil health and highlight areas for improvement. By comparing two years of on-farm data across different soil types and farming practices, the study helps turn research into practical insights for farmers. It provides region-specific tools that reflect the realities of local farming operations and supports healthier and more resilient soils

Research Report Spotlight: Rural Housing

In its Housing Needs and Actions for the Agricultural Sector in Rural Greenbelt Communities report, released in 2025, the Foundation explored innovative housing solutions for farm families, on-farm workers, and agri-business employees, helping support the people that play a vital role in agricultural productivity and rural economies.

Grantee Spotlight: Open Food Network

This year, the Foundation invested in Open Food Network to launch a Sustainable Cut Flower Directory. This Directory, along with the projects, training and mentorship opportunities, helps to expand market access, build grower capacity, and promote sustainable business practices across small and medium-scale specialty cut flower farms in Ontario’s Greenbelt.

Grantee Spotlight: Invasive Species Centre

The Foundation provided the Invasive Species Centre with grant funding to increase monitoring capacity and raise awareness about a variety of invasive species prevention opportunities available to the Specialty Crop agricultural industry in the Greenbelt. This project creates evergreen educational tools that support the long-term protection and resilience of both Greenbelt farmland and natural systems by helping reduce economic and crop losses and the need for pesticide applications.

Investing in Conservation
and Climate Solutions

Through grantees and other partners, the Foundation is investing in conservation and restoration efforts that are increasing regional biodiversity, supporting species at risk, increasing natural cover, strengthening the integrity of nature corridors, and helping to mitigate against the challenges presented by climate change.

Signature Program Spotlight: Natural Asset Management

Natural Asset Management (NAM) helps municipalities recognize, value, and manage forests, wetlands, streams, parks, street trees, and other green infrastructure as core public infrastructure. This work is increasingly important as communities respond to climate change, aging infrastructure, growth pressures, and new asset management requirements.

The Greenbelt Foundation is advancing NAM by building the tools, relationships, and shared learning municipalities need to move from interest to implementation. A major milestone this year was the launch of the Green Infrastructure Asset Management Community of Practice, the first community of practice focused specifically on Natural Asset Management, in partnership with Asset Management Ontario (AMONTario), Conservation Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario.

As well, this year, the Foundation released a new report, Natural Asset Management: Advancing Policy Innovation and Municipal Leadership, in partnership with AMONTario. The report serves as a guide for municipal councilors and senior staff to advance natural asset management within their jurisdictions, helping municipalities to better provide their constituents with vital services, reduce costs, and mitigate risks associated with a changing climate.

Photo by Mike Francis, Aster Environmental

Grantee Spotlight: Escarpment Corridor Alliance

Through grant funding support, the Greenbelt Foundation helped the Escarpment Corridor Alliance identify critical locations across South Georgian Bay for biodiversity protection and ecological connectivity. The 523,000 acres of mapped areas created through this project will guide future investments in the region’s ecological conservation, ensuring a resilient Niagara Escarpment and Greenbelt for generations to come.

Grantee Spotlight: Birds Canada

Thanks to the Greenbelt Foundation’s grant funding program, Birds Canada was able to engage more than 320 volunteers across the Greenbelt to collect data on bird breeding activity and abundance through the third iteration of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. This work helps to foster appreciation for bird populations, inspire participation in conservation efforts across the Greenbelt, and support informed conservation decision-making through the tracking of long-term population trends.

Grantee Spotlight: Ontario Streams

Using effective conservation, rehabilitation, and engagement methods, Ontario Streams’ Greenbelt-funded project, enhanced 630 m of in-stream habitats, planted 6,671 native trees and shrubs along streams, cleaned up litter from 297,368 m2 of sensitive habitats, and removed invasive species from 8,026 m2 of riverbanks’ habitat. These activities addressed local needs for building climate resilience, rehabilitating habitats, and fostering positive environmental change within the Greenbelt.

Growing Awareness
and Appreciation

Raising public understanding and sector-specific knowledge continues to be a fundamental part of the Foundation’s work. Through a combination of strategic communications, educational programming, and research dissemination, the Foundation is building broad public awareness of the Greenbelt’s value and the importance of protecting it.

20th Anniversary Celebrations

In 2025, the Greenbelt celebrated a significant milestone, marking two decades of protecting the greenspaces, farms, forests, and waters that make Ontario unique. Together with partners, grantee organizations, and municipalities, including Evergreen Brickworks, Bruce Trail Conservancy, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, and Holland Marsh Growers Association, we hosted a series of exciting and meaningful events across the Greenbelt, engaging over 130,000 community members.

Grantee Spotlight: Bagida’waad Alliance

To engage Indigenous youth in place-based environmental stewardship on the Niagara Escarpment, the Greenbelt Foundation provided funding to the Bagida’waad Alliance. Their project aimed to grow capacity for Saugeen Ojibway Nation community-led stewardship activities by training Indigenous youth in ecological methods, monitoring, leadership, and community engagement tactics.

Participants monitored over 300 km of trails and completed 20 shoreline water quality tests, showcasing their hard work through various storytelling tools to build awareness and appreciation of these Greenbelt resources.

Grantee Spotlight: Credit Valley Conservation Foundation

To develop youth awareness, appreciation, and engagement with the Greenbelt, the Foundation supported Credit Value Conservation (CVC) Foundation’s hands on stewardship programming that train youth in a range of restoration initiatives, including planting native trees and shrubs along Silver Creek and removing invasive species.

On-site monitoring, restoration, and protection activities were completed across 10.5 hectares of riparian and aquatic habitat, improving riparian health, enhancing stream connectivity, and supporting long-term habitat conditions for species-at-risk.

Grantee Spotlight: Earth Rangers

Building on a long-term partnership with the Greenbelt Foundation, Earth Rangers incorporated a new Greenbelt-themed segment into the Ontario Earth Rangers School Assembly program, increasing awareness, appreciation, and a desire to steward Ontario’s Greenbelt for more than 100,000 children and their families across the province. This initiative also connected more than 3,000 teachers with action-oriented, curriculum-linked lesson plans related to the Greenbelt.

Exploring
the Greenbelt

Ontario’s Greenbelt is over 2 million acres of lush hiking trails, scenic cycling routes, dramatic shorelines, and accessible river valleys that invite exploration by foot, bike, canoe, or kayak. But the Greenbelt is more than just a natural escape — it’s also a vibrant, working landscape filled with charming small towns, local food, and rural businesses. The Greenbelt Foundation supports recreation and tourism across the region by investing in trail development, promoting local destinations, and encouraging sustainable tourism that connects people to nature while supporting the communities that call the Greenbelt home.

Signature Program Spotlight: Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Strategy

The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail is more than a recreation corridor; it is a shared natural asset that connects communities to one of Ontario’s most important ecological landscapes. Through its partnership with the Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA), the Greenbelt Foundation is helping renew the vision, coordination, and long term stewardship needed to strengthen this vital public asset.

In 2025, the Greenbelt Foundation released the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Strategy. The strategy aims to create a continuous trail that improves access to protected natural areas, supports conservation and climate resilience, and strengthens connections between communities and the landscape.

Informed by Indigenous perspectives, this strategy also advances opportunities for Indigenous leadership, cultural connection, and education along the trail, contributing to a more inclusive, connected, and accessible Greenbelt. Notably, community representatives from five William Treaties First Nations are engaged in the development and implementation of the Trail Strategy, including the development of a co-governance model with First Nations. Additionally, the implementation of the Trail Strategy is being guided by a working group consisting of representatives from municipalities, conservation authorities, land trusts, and trail organizations.

By investing in the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, the Greenbelt Foundation is advancing conservation on the Moraine by turning connection, stewardship, and partnership into long-term protection for one of Ontario’s most important natural landscapes.

Grantee Spotlight: Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA)

With funding from the Foundation, the Oak Ridges Trail Association is advancing opportunities to protect the existing Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, identifying a preferred long-term route, supporting the trail’s long-term sustainability, and contributing to Indigenous reconciliation and governance. Specifically, ORTA is leading the organization of public open houses, marking the first public engagement on the trail in more than two decades.

Grantee Spotlight: Waterfront Regeneration Trust

The Foundation strengthened its longstanding relationship with Water Regeneration Trust (WRT) by investing in their Farm Fresh Tour for cyclists and installation of signs and bike racks along the Greenbelt Cycling Route, to support local businesses and ensure the route is safe and accessible.

Grantee Spotlight: Niagara Geopark

The Foundation continued its support of the Niagara Geopark by investing in the Geopark’s GeoClub children’s education program and Trail Network platform.

These activities are in support of the Geopark’s goal of achieving the first UNESCO Global Geopark designation in Ontario, which will reenforce the significance of the Niagara Peninsula’s natural and cultural heritage systems and generate sustainable tourism activities to attract visitors.

Grants Awarded

With the generous support of the Province of Ontario, this past year the Foundation distributed $1,594,863 in funding to the following 78 grantees, whose expertise and on-the-ground impact were vital to our success. Our work to protect, enhance, and steward the Greenbelt would not be possible without their leadership, innovation, and commitment. We’re proud to highlight the organizations that made this year’s accomplishments possible.

Accessible Greenbelt

Projects that spark and develop awareness, appreciation and engagement of the Greenbelt for residents, visitors and stakeholders.

A Rocha Canada

At-Risk Avians: Monitoring and Conserving Vulnerable Bird Species within Ontario's Greenbelt

Bagida'waad Alliance

Indigenous Water Testing & Biodiversity Surveys

EcoSpark Environmental Organization

Building an Accessible Greenbelt through Community Engagement

Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust

Building a Two-Eyed Seeing Approach to Land Conservation on the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail

Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition

Broadening and Deepening Greenbelt Support Through Local Care

EcoSchools Canada

Biodiversity Learning and Action at K-12 Schools

Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition

Broadening and Deepening Greenbelt Support Through Local Care

Credit Valley Conservation Foundation

Youth in Silver Creek Stewardship & Education

Earth Rangers

Growing Possibility: Engaging Ontario’s next generation in supporting and loving the Greenbelt

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Nashville Trail Head Access Improvement Project

Earth Rangers

Growing Possibility: Engaging Ontario’s next generation in supporting (and loving!) the Greenbelt (phase 2)

Oak Ridges Trail Association

Oak Ridges Moraine Adventure Relay

Oak Ridges Trail Association

Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Strategy

Niagara Geopark

Supporting the Niagara Geopark’s Journey to UNESCO Global Geopark Certification and Expanding the Impact of the Geopark Trail Network

Evergreen

Celebrating the Greenbelt’s 20th Anniversary in Toronto’s Urban River Valleys

Rural Ward 6 Community Advisory Committee

Engaging Our Community to Celebrate 20 Years of the Greenbelt

Kawartha Region Conservation Authority

Kawartha Conservation Seasonal Hikes in the GreenbeltExpanding the Impact of the Geopark Trail Network

Scadding Court Community Centre

Beyond the City: Exploring the Greenbelt

The Bruce Trail Conservancy

Niagara Escarpment-wide Celebration of the Greenbelt on Bruce Trail Day

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority

Echoes of the Marsh: Turtle Education, Conservation, and Celebration of Indigenous Language

Transportation Options Association of Ontario

Greenbelt 20/20

Waterfront Regeneration Trust

Celebrate the Greenbelt on the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure

Shared Path Consultation Initiative

Formation of an Indigenous Collaborative Hub

Waterfront Regeneration Trust

Celebrating and Supporting Greenbelt Tourism

Earth Rangers

Your Mission: Protect the Greenbelt

Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition

Applied Watershed Research to Protect Water Resources in the Lake Simcoe Region

Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition

ORM Connections: Community Engagement Roadshow

Ne’ikaanigaana Inc.

ORM Trail Program to support the Willams Treaty Champions Group

Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority

Improving Recreational Trails while Protecting Species at Risk

Ontario Heritage Trust

Ellis Property – Indigenous Signage Project

Ontario Heritage Trust

Ellis Property – Indigenous Signage Project

Saugeen First Nation #29

Creators Garden - Gzhe-Mnidoo Gi-Ta-Gaan

Niagara Geopark

Expanding the Impact of the Geopark Trail Network and increasing Geopark and Greenbelt Visibility with a new Co-Signage Program

Climate Action Partnership

Bridging Access Gaps for more Active, Thriving Greenbelt Communities

Resilient Greenbelt

Projects that work with nature to create and improve public benefits provided by the natural systems of Ontario’s Greenbelt.

Carolinian Canada Coalition

Growing Native Seed Partnerships in Southern Ontario

Forests Canada

Restoring Forest Cover in The Greenbelt: Enhancing Biodiversity and Connectivity Across the Landscape – Phase 1

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority

Long Sault Grassland Restoration

Escarpment Corridor Alliance

Ecological Corridor Network Identification Project

Invasive Species Centre

Building Resiliency to Invasive Species in The Greenbelt’s Agricultural Sectors

Kawartha Land Trust

Resilient Landscapes through restoration of natural infrastructure on conserved and private lands on the Oak Ridges Moraine

Nature Conservancy of Canada - Ontario Region

Towards a Rice Lake Plains Partnership Seed Co-op

The Bruce Trail Conservancy

Niagara Escarpment Species Migration and Climate Change Study

Hamilton Wentworth Green Venture

Mini Forest at Schools

Ontario Streams

Resilient Rivers in the Greenbelt 2024 - 2025

Freshwater Conservation Canada (formerly Ted Knott Chapter of Trout Unlimited)

Kilbride Creek Recovery Project

Land Care Niagara

“Produce and distribute an evidence-based
Field Guide to Tree Planting in Niagara” to increase survival of trees planted in order to increase forest cover, biodiversity and watershed health.”

Ontario Nature

Advancing Municipal Contributions to Canada’s 30x30 Protected Areas Target

The Halton Region Conservation Foundation

Water Quality and Habitat Improvement Program (WQHIP)

Township of King

King Township Natural Asset Inventory

Birds Canada

Understanding, Appreciating, and Protecting Birds Across the Greenbelt

Wildlands League

Greenbelt-Rouge Connections

York University

How Ontario’s greenbelt supports Ontario’s ecological footprint

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority

Oak Ridges Moraine Ground Water Program (ORMGWP) - Awareness and Outreach Campaign

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority

ORMGWP – Greenbelt Water Health Whitepaper

Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association

Restoring a Critical Headwater Wetland on the Bruce Peninsula

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Benallen Wetland: A Conservation Legacy in the Making

Forests Canada

Restoring Forest Cover in the Greenbelt: Enhancing Biodiversity and Connectivity Across the Landscape

Escarpment Corridor Alliance

A Resilient Greenbelt Includes Wetlands

City of Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill Natural Heritage Prioritization Model

Ontario Streams

Healthy Headwaters in the Greenbelt 2026

Corporation of the Town of Halton Hills

Accelerating Invasive Species Management in Halton Hills

Sustainable Greenbelt

Projects that sustain the healthy communities and rural vitality provided by the agricultural and rural economic systems of the Greenbelt.

Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario

Activating farmer soil health knowledge sharing and management planning through citizen science-enabled soil assessments

Ontario Soil Network

Building the Greenbelt’s Soil Health Initiative Network

Soil Conservation Council of Canada

Building Canada’s National Soil Health Strategy

Niagara Region

Niagara Irrigation Initiative

Farms at Work

Agricultural Sustainability: Targeting New Demographics on the Greenbelt

Ontario Farmland Trust

Future Vision for the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve

Holland Marsh Growers

The Holland Marsh: In Our Hands for the Next 100 Years

Sustain Ontario

Food for Thought: Opportunities for local food procurement and school food programs in Ontario

Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute

The Importance of Ontario’s Greenbelt for Agriculture and Agri-Food System

Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg

Urban Farm - Food Is Medicine

Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury

100th Anniversary of the Holland Marsh

Farm & Food Care Ontario

Celebrating 20 years of Food and Farming in the Greenbelt

Ontario Plowmen’s Association

International Plowing Match & Rural Expo

Open Food Network Canada

Sustainable Cut Flowers Direct (Greenbelt)

Town of Niagara on the Lake

Protecting Specialty Crops and Balancing On-Farm Diversified Use in Niagara-on-theLake’s Greenbelt

Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

Feeding Ontario Sustainably: Enhancing Soil Health and Increasing Crop Yield in the Greenbelt with beneficial reuse of greenhouse waste on water-stressed farms

Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance

Communicating to a Broader and more Diverse Audience using Social Media effectively

Ontario Farmland Trust

Enhancing Farmland Protection Efforts through Community Mobilization

Farm & Food Care Ontario

Celebrating The Greenbelt in Print and in Person

Our Partners
& Donors

The Foundation is thankful for the government’s ongoing for funding and program support, through the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. We look forward to continuing work collaboratively across key program areas to strengthen Ontario’s climate resiliency and utilize the Greenbelt as an enabler for successful growth.

We are grateful to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness for supporting farmers across the Greater Golden Horseshoe to improve soil health, reduce nutrient runoff and strengthen water quality through beneficial management practices. The Project is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.

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”. Our 4-year partnership (2023-2026) 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 improve soil 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

We are grateful for RBC Foundation’s Leadership support through their Tech for Nature Program to help our Farmers and Soil Health: Motivating Change with Locally Relevant Soil Assessment program.

Thank you to The Echo Foundation for your ongoing leadership support for our Natural Asset Management Project.

The Greenbelt Foundation’s achievements would not be possible without the ongoing support of its funding partners and dedicated individual donors.

We thank all of you for your support and commitment!

Our Funders

Financials
2025-2026

In 2025–2026, the Greenbelt Foundation invested in a range of key partnerships, educational initiatives, research and policy work, and community programs.

Year ended March 31, 2025 / Charitable ratio: 93%

Expenditure Breakdown

Program Activities

Grant Making

$1,795,391

Awareness & Education

$935,293

Research & Policy

$942,896

Community Programs

$768,072

Supporting Activities

Management & General Operations

$675,228

Fundraising, Business Development

$237,249

Total: $5,354,129

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. We would not be able to achieve any of our work without the dedicated support of our funders, partners, and community members like you!

2025-2026 Annual Report

Ontario’s Greenbelt

Greenbelt By the Numbers

750000

$3.2 billion

$17 billion

247213

121

9 out of 10

Greenbelt Foundation

Land Acknowledgement

Message From Our Chair & CEO

Our Impact

Strengthening Agriculture and Local Food Systems

Signature Program Spotlight: Soil Health

Research Report Spotlight: Rural Housing

Grantee Spotlight: Open Food Network

Grantee Spotlight: Invasive Species Centre

Investing in Conservation and Climate Solutions

Signature Program Spotlight: Natural Asset Management

Grantee Spotlight: Escarpment Corridor Alliance

Grantee Spotlight: Birds Canada

Grantee Spotlight: Ontario Streams

Growing Awareness and Appreciation

20th Anniversary Celebrations

Grantee Spotlight: Bagida’waad Alliance

Grantee Spotlight: Credit Valley Conservation Foundation

Grantee Spotlight: Earth Rangers

Exploring the Greenbelt

Signature Program Spotlight: Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Strategy

Grantee Spotlight: Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA)

Grantee Spotlight: Waterfront Regeneration Trust

Grantee Spotlight: Niagara Geopark

Grants Awarded

Accessible Greenbelt

Resilient Greenbelt

Sustainable Greenbelt

Our Partners & Donors

Our Funders

Financials 2025-2026

Expenditure Breakdown

Thank You

Ontario’s
Greenbelt

Greenbelt
Foundation

Message From
Our Chair & CEO

Our
Impact

Strengthening Agriculture
and Local Food Systems

Investing in Conservation
and Climate Solutions

Growing Awareness
and Appreciation

Exploring
the Greenbelt

Our Partners
& Donors

Financials
2025-2026

Thank
You