Fact Sheet: Overview of the new Greenbelt Master Plan Recommended Land Use Concept

Submitted on January 25, 2012

Maps and Publications

Submission: Greenbelt Master Plan Review — Recommended Land Use Concept (44.66 KB)

Greenbelt Master Plan, Final Consultation Report: Phase 1 – Step C – Appendix 1 (12.5 MB)

Greenbelt Master Plan, Land Use Concept, Phase 1 - Step C - Appendix 2 (2.43 MB)

Public Advisory Committee (PAC) Membership List (11.65 MB)

Greenbelt Master Plan Revision - Public Board Meeting Presentation, January 25, 2012 (2.62 MB)

Capital Ecosystems Network (2.85 MB)

Capital Ecosystems Network - Roles (3.86 MB)

Capital Ecosystems Network - Roles (zoom) (2.51 MB)

The review of the 1996 Greenbelt Master Plan reveals that the Greenbelt is still relevant and continues to definitely pay dividends by safeguarding forests, fields, streams and wetlands and species, and by filtering our air, cleansing our water, and moving towards sustainable agriculture. The review recommends some changes to the concept to achieve the new Greenbelt 2067 Vision, as follows -

Enhance Natural Environment as the primary Greenbelt role in order to contribute to the sustainability and quality of life in Canada’s Capital Region.
Expand natural areas within the Greenbelt by adding 2,400 hectares of lands adjacent to the Greenbelt.
Promote Sustainable Agriculture practices and opportunities in order to provide economic returns now and for future generations.
Dedicate 23 % or 770 ha of former rural lands within the Greenbelt to Sustainable Agriculture for a total of approximately 5800 ha characterized by small-scale operations of varied crops and livestock (i.e. community gardens, market gardens, pick-your-own operations, more and mixed livestock).
Connects the Greenbelt to the Capital Ecosystem Network to significant Ottawa natural features such as Carp Hills, South March Highlands and the Cumberland Forest and across the Ottawa River to protected lands within the City of Gatineau such as agricultural reserve lands, Gatineau Park and McLaurin Bay.
Connects the Greenbelt Pathway and trails to the Capital Pathway Network to provide varied recreation destinations to experience landscapes, natural areas and farms of the Capital.
Maintains a Facilities role for the Greenbelt that is last in the hierarchy of roles; no new federal facilities but improved policies to guide their expansion and management.
Recognize the Ottawa International Airport, DND facility on Carling Avenue, Queensway Carleton Hospital and Nepean Sportsplex as edge facilities that are special operating zones which interface with Greenbelt and urban landscapes. Managing guidelines and policies will be reviewed with stakeholdrs and the public in the winter of 2012.
Maintain Non-federal facilities but no new ones will be permitted. No new ones are permitted.

In summary, through this concept the Greenbelt will be: