History of the Greenbelt
On February 28, 2005, the Ontario Government established a provincial Greenbelt, adding 1 million acres of farmland and environmentally sensitive areas to the already protected Niagara Escarpment and Oak Ridges Moraine. Now a world-class model for preservation, Ontario’s Greenbelt is the largest of its kind, spanning over 2 million acres of protected farmland, forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes.
As we celebrate the Greenbelt’s 20th anniversary, we unite around a shared vision for the Greenbelt: one that positions it to remain a critical solution to the impacts of climate change, an economic driver for Ontario, and a cherished source of the farmland and water systems that sustain us.
Celebrating 20 Years of Ontario’s Greenbelt!
Timeline
1973
Niagara Escarpment Protected
The Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act is passed, ensuring any development that occurs along the ecologically significant escarpment is compatible with the natural environment.
1981
Niagara Specialty Crop Lands Protected
The Ontario Municipal Board passes the first set of protections for the Niagara Specialty Crop Lands, including 15,000 acres of tender fruit land and 20,000 acres of grape land in the Niagara region.
2001
Oak Ridges Moraine Protected
The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act is passed, protecting approximately 470,000 acres of land that is home to 1,760 different species, forms the headwaters of 66 rivers and streams, and provides world class recreational opportunities.
2005
Creation of the World’s Largest Greenbelt
The Greenbelt Act is passed, creating a 2 million acre Greenbelt, encompassing the Niagara Escarpment, Oak Ridges Moraine, and nearly 1 million acres of prime farmland, including the Holland Marsh, and Niagara Tender Fruit and Grape specialty crop areas.
2006-2007
Endangered Species and Clean Water Act
Two provincial acts are passed, providing additional levels of protection for Greenbelt lands to prevent species extinction and protect Ontario’s precious water resources.
2017
Addition of Urban River Valleys
Greenbelt protection is extended to 21 major Urban River Valleys and 7 coastal wetlands, further protecting Ontario’s water systems and the communities and species who depend on them.
2022
Greenbelt Boundary Expansion
The Greenbelt Area increased by 9,400 acres of land, including 13 Urban River Valleys and lands in the Paris Galt Moraine area.
2025
20th Anniversary!
Communities across the Golden Horseshoe Region celebrate 20 years of the Greenbelt and the multiple ways it has and will continue to support communities for generations to come.
