Help us protect what matters.
“The Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition is at the forefront of the battle to save the Greenbelt.
Make no mistake about it, the Greenbelt is under threat like never before as the Provincial Government continues a concerted, disastrous attack on its environmental integrity and creates the conditions for its unravelling.
Our ability to fight back largely depends on the ability of community-based groups to resist this destruction of one of Ontario’s greatest accomplishments
The Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition, in particular, has the experience, energy and commitment to offer the leadership we require. I hope they are successful in getting the support and resources they need to do the job.”
David Crombie
Recent Posts
The Whale: What Would Roosevelt Think (Who knows, he’s dead.)
A short essay on conservatism, conservationism, environmentalism and why all of the above are important.
Media Statement – Auditor General Bradford Bypass
…congestion will worsen on highways 400 and 404, the province continues to intentionally mislead Ontarians using unverified traffic studies.
Key Issues
Bill 23
The Ford government’s Bill 23 is radically changing land-use planning in Ontario, increasing exposure to risks associated with climate impacts, abdicating responsibility to ensure wildlife habitat and protection for endangered species, reducing the ability of municipalities to provide services to residents, and increasing costs for citizens. In sum, it seems this bill was written by a handful of developers who want nothing more than to enrich themselves.
Below you can find resources that will help you take action on this issue from Just Recovery Simcoe, a partner organization. We will be updating our site with more resources in the coming days.
Highway Myths
Read our debunking of the many myths, like "highways reduce emissions," or "highways reduce congestion," that proponents are using to try to justify the project.
BBP Issues Page
See our Bradford Bypass issues page, which includes a timeline of the project, key concerns, as well as the documents on tolls we from the government through an FOI request.
Posts and Updates
Media Statement – Bill 23
…the changes in Bill 23 do not address the housing affordability crisis, rather they will simply put more money into the pockets of billionaire developers at the expense of Ontarians and the natural resources we depend on.
Analysis: More Homes Built Faster Act
Recent moves by Ontario’s government seem likely to create conditions for a number of crises in the next few decades that, when combined, are greater than the sum of their parts. This is what’s known as a “polycrisis”, a term popularized by economic historian Adam Tooze.
Suggestions from a 16 Year Old for Community Resilience in Rural Ontario
How can I make my community more sustainable? That’s the question that many of us have been asking ourselves more and more as of late.
Simcoe County 2022 – 2051 Land Needs Assessment
…value in the context of a community is achieved through livability, which in turn drives economic and social dynamism. Propinquity, or the accessibility of the areas we inhabit, whether that’s for people we socialise with or for consumer good or employment, is the key metric to achieve in this regard. Build communities for people and good things happen.
Province Rushing Bradford Bypass
Highways are the gateway drug for sprawl and the Bypass is a perfect example. Developers own over 3000 acres of land around this highway waiting for the greenlight to destroy more farmland and wetlands.
Vertical Sprawl
By building spaces that prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion, we and setting the foundations for a future that is more sustainable. Sprawl, including vertical sprawl, is not the right way to do this.
Our Mission
We believe a healthy environment is critical to Simcoe County’s future.
Farmland, water and natural heritage are key components of a healthy environment and thriving economy, and need better protection.
We are calling for the expansion of the Greenbelt to Simcoe County, so that current and future generations can benefit from clean water, local food and green spaces.
Community supported, advocacy for a safe and secure future.
Governments have failed to act to protect our communities and the futures of our children and grandchildren, and they continue to treat our environment as if it’s incidental to life, rather than a foundation for it.
We need strong community organizations to fight for our future, now more than ever.
Please consider donating to support our work. It’s people like you who make us possible.