Thriving Rural Economies and Liveable Communities
Enhancing valuable natural heritage sites, supporting food and farming, increasing tourism, and strengthening local economies will ensure liveable and prosperous communities in the Greenbelt and across the region.
Protecting our air, water, and food secures the future of both the environment and the economy. In fact, the Greenbelt itself generates an economic impact of $9.1 billion every single year – all derived from the protected status of the landscape.
We can see the problems created or worsened by sprawl every day in the news – economy crippling traffic congestion, mental and physical health issues, and increasing carbon emissions resulting from the inefficient movement of goods and people.
The Greenbelt Foundation supports initiatives that enable communities to thrive within the Greenbelt and beyond as places to live, work, and play by:
- Enhancing economic development opportunities through agricultural, natural, and cultural-based recreation and tourism in the Greenbelt and along its river valleys.
- Working with municipalities and their natural assets to provide key services that reduce infrastructure costs and vulnerabilities like flooding while increasing the protection and enhancement of natural systems in the Greenbelt and surrounding area.
- Increasing awareness of Indigenous history, culture and knowledge related to the Greenbelt landscape.
- Supporting patterns of urban growth that make the best use of existing infrastructure while protecting what matters most – clean air, fresh water, and healthy local food.
