Prepared by Stan Rosenbaum and Ken Young
OFNC Conservation Committee
October 30, 2010

Full document in PDF format

Executive Summary

We present reasons why the National Capital Greenbelt should be preserved as undeveloped natural green space and agricultural land, and present recommendations to enhance these roles.

Environmental values revolve around continuity. While there are many specific ecological gems within the Greenbelt, the values provided by a large unbroken area of undeveloped land is just as important as the intrinsic value of the "gems" considered in isolation. Natural land and its wildlife generally benefit from being "left alone," so in advocating that we don't have to write a book.

On the other hand, agriculture inherently consists of interfering with nature, and the effects on the continuity of the Greenbelt can be harmful. Buildings, parking lots and roads disrupt ecological continuity even more. In short, more can be done to help nature by reforming agriculture, and prohibiting further roads and buildings, than by trying (often ineffectually) to help nature in natural areas. Therefore, we devote as much attention to these areas of the Greenbelt as to the natural lands.

In terms of human health, the Greenbelt acts as a clean air reservoir that provides Ottawa with important air quality benefits, especially during smog conditions.

Our approach to agriculture extends beyond that presented in the 1966 Master Plan, which presents Greenbelt agriculture as symbolic of a Canada that was mainly agricultural. We do not dwell upon the concept of Greenbelt as "Rural Landscape." In the future, Greenbelt agriculture will become increasingly important as fossil fuel depletion (and measures to reduce human-induced climate change) force changes to existing farming and food distribution practices. Also, there is ample evidence that existing agricultural practices are getting the entire world into trouble. Problems with insect pollinators is just one example. The Greenbelt provides an opportunity to sponsor more sustainable forms of agriculture, that are often hindered by the brutal demands placed on farmers to be competitive. Public ownership of the land makes this approach more feasible. Agriculture should not be a "killing ground" for migratory birds, especially those that nest on the ground, and are now typically in steep decline.

Recreational uses of the Greenbelt are important, and may become increasingly so in a future of energy scarcity, if travel to more distant recreational destinations becomes less affordable. The Greenbelt can contribute more than it presently does to the quality of life in the National Capital Region, although it should remain a relatively quiet haven of relief from the noise and pollution of city life. The recreational trail system in the Greenbelt should be extended into closer proximity to farming operations. That doing this is perfectly practical (as well as educational) is shown by three examples: the Waskahegan trail system around Edmonton, Alberta, the Rideau Trail system connecting Kingston and Ottawa, and the historic system of Public Footpaths (rights of way) in Britain.

Built facilities are undesirable, because as surrounding areas become increasingly urbanized, there is a need to differentiate the Greenbelt by making sure that it stays (and becomes increasingly) green.

In our discussion of buildings and infrastructure, we refute the view that urban intensification is hampered by the existence of the Greenbelt.

Infrastructure could be an issue since the City of Ottawa has suggested that the cost of the infrastructure linking communities via existing corridors (roads) through the Greenbelt would justify development along those corridors. We provide reasons why these views are invalid, or greatly exaggerated, and fully compensated by the overwhelming advantages of maintaining the Greenbelt undeveloped.

Finally, we propose that Greenbelt land should have clearly-defined boundaries protected by federal statute, with commercial and residential development prohibited.

Specific recommendations

Concerning built facilities

• No further use of the Greenbelt for buildings or infrastructure should be allowed. The next Greenbelt Master Plan should not designate any undeveloped land as a "Buildable Site Area".
• This should apply to undeveloped land currently under the control of the Airport Authority. This land, part of the historic Leitrim Wetland, should be protected.
• Existing built sites in the Greenbelt, such as government buildings in some areas, should be phased out when possible.
• Unless negative environmental effects are resolved, wind energy operations should not be permitted.
• Recreational facilities, such as equestrian arenas and soccer pitches, should be located outside the Greenbelt.

Concerning agriculture

• Preference should be given to organic farming techniques.
• Mixed farming should be encouraged. In particular, integrated systems that rotate animals through pastures should be encouraged.
• Hay operations should use practices such as delayed cutting (to protect ground nests) and mowing hay from the centre of the field outward (to allow fledglings to escape).
• Additional hedgerows should be introduced, to divide some land into smaller fields. This would help migratory song birds.
• Biofuel crops uses heavy inputs of petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides, and should be discouraged.
• Agro-tourism, including school and educational tours should be encouraged in order to raise awareness of agriculture in the Greenbelt. Recreational trails could be routed closer to farms, in order to familiarize residents with Greenbelt agriculture.
• Opportunities for converting unused farmland to allotment and community gardens should be explored.

Other

• Greenbelt land should have clearly-defined boundaries protected by federal statute, preventing commercial and residential development and other incompatible activities.
• Programs to control invasive species should be introduced. To be practical and effective, such programs will need to elicit help from volunteers, which has not been favoured in past NCC policy.