February 28, 2005
Protecting Agriculture and Industry
Agriculture is vital to Ontario. Not only a food source, agriculture and agriculture-related industry generates over $30 billion each year and employs 650,000 people. The greenbelt will protect prime agricultural and specialty-crop land in the Golden Horseshoe from urbanization, and ensure that these lands can continue to provide Ontarians with fresh produce, a secure food supply and residual health benefits now and into the future.
Environmental Benefits of Agriculture
Ontario has the majority of Canada’s most productive (class 1) agricultural lands whose crops yield one-quarter of the country’s agricultural products. These lands also benefit our environment, air quality and health. An average hectare of corn, for instance, absorbs 22 tons of carbon dioxide per year – a naturally efficient means of cleaning our air.
Support for Agricultural Land Uses
The greenbelt plan supports agriculture and agriculture-related uses in existence before the plan came into effect. In fact, farmers and landowners are allowed to expand existing uses, provided they do not have a negative impact on natural or water features. The plan, however, does not allow for non-agricultural uses on, or the urbanization of farmland in the greenbelt. Urban expansion is not permitted on to specialty-crop land.
Agricultural Land Values
The value of agricultural lands in the Golden Horseshoe that are not designated or zoned for urban development, or any other non-agricultural use, should not be affected by the greenbelt plan. The Agricultural Advisory Team recommended that the government not provide direct compensation for loss of perceived ‘future opportunities.’ A study prepared for the Region of Niagara, “Healthy Farms, Healthy Towns,” states that Greenbelt protection will likely increase land values in the long term. The government will explore ways of providing the sector with the necessary support and investment to plan for a viable and prosperous future.
Land Ownership
As with the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine, lands in the greenbelt will be protected by planning and conservation methods rather than public ownership of the lands. Most greenbelts around the world are preserved in a similar manner. Land expropriation will not be required to protect lands in the greenbelt.
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Contacts:
Patti Munce
Minister's Office
(416) 585-6333
Victor Doyle
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
(416) 585-6014
www.mah.gov.on.ca
www.greenbelt.ontario.ca