Ontario’s Greenbelt Tentatively Holds Strong

In November of 2022, Ontario’s Ford Government passed Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act. It threatened to remove 7,400 acres of highly productive Greenbelt farmland and natural areas to develop housing.

This struck a nerve with Ontarians. The popular Greenbelt Act was passed in 2005, permanently protecting 2 million acres of productive farmland and environmentally sensitive areas, and preventing further loss of farmland and natural heritage areas from urban sprawl. The Greenbelt protections not only preserve invaluable agricultural resources, prime agricultural soils, and natural areas, but are an essential tool in responsible growth and development planning to support strong southern Ontario communities.

Over 78 organizations including the NFU-O came together in opposition to Bill 23, ultimately pressuring the government to return the lands to Greenbelt protections in December 2023 – a major win for all Ontarians. While the Greenbelt win demonstrated the power of collective action against farmland loss, the Government continues to threaten farmland in a similar nature across the province.

However, long-term Greenbelt protection is still at risk, as loopholes in protections were not closed by new legislation. Some regulations allow Governments to build through it, as seen with Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass. In the Niagara Escarpment, quarries are permitted, and loopholes have created openings for “large projects to be built along the brow of the escarpment”.

The Greenbelt scandal teaches us that we need to advocate for the permanent protection of all farmland. We call for farmland to be kept for farmers – not agri-corporations or investors. Using public land will help stimulate local food production. Responsible and affordable housing for all will meet Ontario’s housing and farmland protection needs without risking unimaginable farmland and habitat loss.

“Returning the 15 parcels of Greenbelt land is an important first step, but we encourage the government to work with farmers and conservation groups to expand the Greenbelt and farmland protections in the province. Together, we can ensure that local food systems and development initiatives support each other, for the benefit of all Ontarians” – Max Hansgen, President, NFU-O