A recent report reveals a significant increase in the number of endangered species seeking refuge in the Greenbelt as a safe haven, rising by nearly 70% in the past 20 years. The study conducted by Ontario Nature analyzed data from 2004, a year before the protected area’s establishment, tracking the transition of vulnerable birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and plants to the present day. The report shows a notable surge from 72 to 121 species at risk in the Greenbelt.
According to Tony Morris, the conservation policy and campaigns director at Ontario Nature, this increase underscores the growing importance of the Greenbelt in providing crucial habitats, especially in southern Ontario. The Greenbelt, a protective zone spanning over 800,000 hectares around the Greater Golden Horseshoe, was designated in 2005 to safeguard the environment and restrict development activities.
The report highlights that the 121 endangered species in the Greenbelt represent 42% of all endangered species in the province. Among these species are the redside dace fish and the Jefferson salamander, facing challenges due to habitat loss and pollution-related harms. The report emphasizes the impact of habitat fragmentation caused by infrastructure like roads and urban areas, leading to a decline in species populations.
Furthermore, the report includes eight recommendations aimed at fortifying the Greenbelt’s protection. Ontario Nature advocates for expanding the Greenbelt boundaries, enhancing safeguards for endangered species, and developing strategies to restore degraded habitats. The charity urges the integration of these recommendations into a long-overdue government review of the Greenbelt legislation, mandated every ten years by law.
The mandatory review, postponed due to a snap election in January 2025, necessitates input from the Greenbelt council, a body appointed by the government to advise on land use planning within the zone. However, with the council’s term having expired, and no new members appointed for the review, the process remains inactive. Municipal Affairs Minister Rob Flack, who took on the portfolio last spring, has yet to provide details on the review’s progress, despite affirming the government’s commitment to conducting it.
The Greenbelt has been embroiled in controversy since 2022 when the Ford government proposed removing 15 pieces of land from the protected area for development. Subsequent investigations revealed irregularities in the land selection process, leading to public outcry and investigations by the auditor general and integrity commissioner. The government subsequently backtracked on the decision, with ongoing RCMP investigations into the matter.
Environmentalists and opposition critics are urging the government to proceed with the review promptly and ensure no further land removals from the Greenbelt. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner attributes the delay to the government’s embarrassment over the earlier scandal. NDP environment critic Peter Tabuns criticized the Progressive Conservatives for their inaction, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment and advocating for effective measures to safeguard natural habitats.