Greenbelts to Contain Urban Growth in Ontario, Canada: Promises and Prospects

Greenbelts have been widely applied to contain urban growth, provide recreational opportunities, and improve the quality of life. Since 2005, the Province of Ontario, Canada has established a greenbelt in response to rapid urban growth threatening agricultural lands and natural heritage. This research paper assesses Ontario's greenbelt initiative by examining four factors identified by previous studies as contributors to successful applications of greenbelt policies. Factors examined include: political will, pubic support, greenbelt planning, and enabling legislation. The paper points to Ontario's greenbelt strengths and challenges, and provides policy recommendations that may contribute to successful greenbelt applications.