June 1, 2009
McGuinty Government Announces Winner Of Youth Art Contest
Toronto student Esha Patel’s artwork
Ontarians have picked the winning design for the province’s new I ♥ Greenbelt Awards.
Toronto student Esha Patel’s artwork was chosen from among four finalists and hundreds of entries submitted in a student art contest, launched on the fourth anniversary of Ontario’s world renowned Greenbelt. Esha is a grade two student at Highfield Junior School.
The finalists’ designs were posted online at ontario.ca/iheartgreenbelt where Ontarians cast their votes for their favourite artwork.
The I ♥ Greenbelt Awards will recognize Ontarians who have made contributions toward or supported a strong Greenbelt. The categories and nomination process for the awards will be finalized later this summer.
QUOTES
“Through this art contest, Ontario’s young people have showed how the Greenbelt provides us with clean air and water, great food for our tables and healthy outdoor recreation.”
- Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
"Congratulations to Esha and to all the students from Etobicoke who submitted artwork. It is wonderful to see our youth illustrate why the Greenbelt is such a valuable green space in our province."
- Shafiq Qaadri, MPP Etobicoke North
“We need the Greenbelt for all living things. I feel so happy to be the winner of the I ♥ Greenbelt contest.”
- Esha Patel
QUICK FACTS
- The Greenbelt permanently protects 1.8 million acres of agricultural and environmentally sensitive land around the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
- Research shows that the Greenbelt provides essential ecosystem services or benefits for eight million residents across the Greater Golden Horseshoe and values these services at least $2.6 billion each year.
LEARN MORE
Adam Grachnik
Minister’s Office
416-585-6492
Audrey Bennett
Provincial Policy Planning Branch
416-585-6014
ontario.ca/municipal-news
