2024-2025 Annual Report

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 and condemn events such as Indian Residential Schools, Indian Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and many other violent acts committed since European settlers arrived on this land.The vibrant way of life of Indigenous Peoples and their connection to the land has been suppressed due to attempted genocide, colonization, and assimilation.

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.

In 2024/25, through grant funding provided to the Carolinian Canada Coalition, the Foundation helped launch the Southern Ontario Seed Strategy (SOSS), a landmark initiative to scale up native seed supply chains to ensure the ecological integrity and longterm capacity of restoration efforts.

As well, the Foundation awarded grant funding to partners Greenough and North Bruce Wilderness Alliance to protect ecologically critical lands, including the Simon Bay Coastal Fen and Forest, a 19.6-acre property on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula that is home to several species at risk and capable of sequestering 78.4 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Acknowledging our role in promoting a healthy environment for future generations through our work to plant 1 million trees in the Greenbelt, Forests Canada awarded the Foundation their Green Legacy Award. The Foundation’s advancement of strategic conservation efforts across the Greenbelt are helping ensure the health and integrity of the region’s natural heritage systems for generations to come

Recognizing the value of natural systems and ecosystem services has never been more critical, and the Greenbelt plays a vital role by protecting natural systems such as forests, rivers and wetlands. These features support natural solutions that absorb floodwaters, reduce heat, and store carbon, all of which are essential for building climate resilience in communities across Ontario.

Natural asset management (NAM) continued to be a cornerstone of the Foundation’s climate resilience work this year. In partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Foundation engaged 20 municipalities and 21 conservation authorities to advance NAM planning, helping communities leverage Greenbelt natural systems for cost-effective services and enhanced resilience.

Customized findings from the 2024 Watson & Associates Report were shared with municipalities like St. Catherines and Niagara Falls, offering clear steps to integrate natural assets—such as wetlands and forests—into formal municipal asset management plans.

The Foundation also co-hosted a workshop at the Latornell Conservation Conference with Conservation Ontario, attended by over 100 participants, and a successful webinar with Asset Management Ontario on getting started with NAM. The Foundation is also supporting the development of a NAM Roadmap for regional Conservation Authorities to help municipalities across Ontario recognize and manage natural features as critical infrastructure for a more climate-resilient future.

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.

In 2024/25, the Foundation continued this work through its long-standing partnership with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust (WRT). This included enhancing 160.6 km of the Greenbelt Cycling Route with improved signage, maintenance, and a new trailhead, creating a safer, more enjoyable experience for cyclists. The Foundation also expanded its Bike Rack Partnership Program, supporting five new businesses in Hamilton-Wentworth and Clarington, and bringing the total to 20 partners promoting active tourism, reinforcing the Greenbelt’s value as a tourism driver and community asset.

Working with WRT, as well as Rural Tourism Ontario and CAA, the Foundation hosted two Farm Fresh Bike Tours in Hamilton, welcoming 100 participants and showcasing seven local farms, wineries, and breweries. The partnership also launched Rural on the Ridge, a 40 km cycling itinerary connecting agri-tourism destinations, and introduced a Ride with GPS web tool to support trip planning and highlight four featured routes.

In addition, progress was made on the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Strategy, with the establishment of an advisory committee—including trail partners and First Nations representatives—to guide inclusive, long-term improvements and stewardship of this iconic trail network. These planning efforts are laying the groundwork for long-term trail improvements and expanded access across the Oak Ridges Moraine.