.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
Article content
TORONTO, June 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At a time of rising economic insecurities and global uncertainties, Greenbelt Foundation’s new economic impact report, authored by Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada), highlights the regional and provincial economic contribution of sectors supported by the Greenbelt. It reveals that the Greenbelt generates $17 billion in Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and sustains over 247,000 full-time jobs. The report highlights prevailing economic trends, provides a breakdown of key sectors’ economic contributions, and elevates strategic opportunities enabled by the Greenbelt’s unique strengths and economies.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Article content
Key Findings:
Article content
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
- Greenbelt-dependent economic activity now generates $17B of Ontario’s overall GDP while sustaining 247,000 full-time jobs across primary and secondary sectors.
Article content
- Since the Greenbelt Foundation’s earlier economic impact assessment (2020), the Ontario Greenbelt has seen a 12% increase in province-wide economic contributions, adjusted for inflation, and a 17% increase in employment opportunities, underscoring its growing economic value across the region.
Article content
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors have seen the largest GDP increase of 29%.
Article content
- Greenbelt-linked economic activities generated almost $6 billion in government revenues, representing a 17% increase compared to the 2020 study.
Article content
By mid-century, the regional economy of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, where the Greenbelt is located, is projected to grow to support 14.8 million people and 7 million jobs.
Article content
“As the region evolves, the Greenbelt will continue to be a key economic driver by supporting jobs across sectors, protecting high-value agricultural lands and vital water resources, while providing critical ecosystem services and enhancing opportunities for recreation and tourism,” said Edward McDonnell, CEO, Greenbelt Foundation.
Article content
Article content
In particular, with over 4,000 farms and highly productive soils, the Greenbelt is home to over a half of Ontario’s fruit acreage, including over 80% of the province’s peaches, plums, prunes, apricots, and grapes. Its farms generate 68% higher revenue per acre than an average Ontario farm, ensuring food security and agricultural resilience in the region. In addition to this, the Greenbelt drives tourism and recreation revenues by offering a near-urban network of trails, cycling routes, river corridors, and green spaces. Its natural systems also deliver clean air, protect water quality, reduce flood risks, mitigate climate change impacts, and support communities’ physical and mental well-being.
Article content
Margaret Zafiriou, Senior Research Fellow, Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI): “The Foundation’s report reinforces findings from CAPI’s recent research on the importance of the Greenbelt to food security in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. As Ontario faces continued population growth, climate change impacts, and supply-chain uncertainty, protecting the Greenbelt’s agricultural lands is essential to maintaining regional food production capacity and building a more resilient agri-food system.”
English (US)