Edward McDonnell
CEO, Greenbelt Foundation
This nonprofit has dedicated two decades to sustaining and protecting one of Ontario’s most important resources: its Greenbelt.
Ontario’s Greenbelt is one of the largest in the world, covering two million acres of protected farmland, forests, and waterways. It borders one of the most populated areas of the country, nestled in the Greater Golden Horseshoe alongside a projected 13.5 million people. The Greenbelt is far more than a collection of trees, fields, and rivers; it is one of the most biologically rich areas in Canada and plays an integral role in providing Ontarians with fresh air, clean water, local food as well as world-class recreation and tourism.
Ontarians all have a stake in the Greenbelt’s health and longevity, particularly given the economic role it plays with nearly $10 billion in annual economic impact, $224 million in flood mitigation, and supporting over 175,000 full-time jobs. This region represents more than just an area necessitating protection; it’s a vital provincial resource with immense economic and social benefit for those living in Southern Ontario. Protecting it means protecting the quality of life Ontarians currently enjoy, for generations to come.
Two decades of sustainable impact
For 20 years, the Greenbelt Foundation has played an instrumental role in protecting, maintaining and strengthening the Greenbelt, supporting the area’s natural diversity while encouraging people to take advantage of their unique access to the world class region. It’s a mission two decades in the making, and while centered on conservation, true stewardship requires continuous investment and innovation. “To us, conservation isn’t a static idea. It’s about investing in and thinking wholistically about the systems and landscapes around us,” explains Greenbelt Foundation CEO, Edward McDonnell. Being situated amongst one of the fastest growing regions in the country may be intimidating, but it’s something Edward and his team have embraced: “Our vision is to support and sustain in conjunction with a growing province and region,” he says.
The organization helps fund investments that work in alignment with their vision: promoting the Greenbelt as a vital, valuable, and permanent safeguard for the province’s future. Since its implementation in 2005, The Foundation hasfunded over 300 grants and distributed over $37 million in funding. In 2025 alone, over 40 grants will be awarded.
Community critical to success
Stewarding the Greenbelt is no easy feat. The organization is responsible for investing in the protections of over 721,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands and forests; over 75 species-at-risk, and overseeing waterways that impact drinking water to over seven million people. Partnerships and donations are critical to enabling the Greenbelt Foundation to continue supporting the region and community is key.
“When the Greenbelt doesn’t work for people in the Greenbelt, it doesn’t work,” Edward says. “We support local communities and organizations who have a vision. We’re able to help them realize their vision.” Those visions come in many forms, from creating new recreational trail systems and improving a water system to better farmland and soil. The Greenbelt Foundation prides itself on being an organization not only for the Greenbelt but for the many communities that call the region home. “These groups are the catalysts,” Edward says, “they know what’s needed; we just give them a helping hand.”
To date, the Foundation has invested and leveraged matching dollars totaling over $47 million, giving a voice to projects that continue to make the Greenbelt a great place to live, work, play and grow. Continued support from donors ensures this work can scale to meet the growing pressures of climate change, development, and population growth and helps directly strengthen the natural systems that sustain Ontario’s communities.
This Giving Tuesday, Ontarians are invited to join the Greenbelt family by making a donation that will continue to support the organization’s work to help safeguard clean water, local food, and the landscapes millions of Ontarians rely on every day. Visit greenbelt.ca/donate to learn more.
