Nine out of Ten Ontarians Support the Greenbelt

TORONTO, Nov. 9 /CNW/ - Support for the Greenbelt has become so great, it is becoming a cherished part of the Ontario identity. A recent study by Environics examines the growing relationship between Ontarians and the Greenbelt. It discovered an overwhelming nine out of ten people agree that the Greenbelt is one of the most important contributions to the future of our Province, and over half say that the Greenbelt is extremely important to them personally.

"I am overwhelmed that Ontarians have taken such a convincing stand on the Greenbelt," said Burkhard Mausberg, President of Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.

Even in hard economic times, 88% of people agreed that upholding environmental policy is important. In addition, 91% of people say that the Greenbelt should not only be protected, but it should be expanded to bring in more farmland and natural heritage lands and protect it from further growth and development.

Not surprising is that water, food and preserving land are at the top of the list for Ontarians with support percentages landing in a range from 96% to 99%. With vital resources available right here, it seems only logical that citizens are concerned about protecting them.

"No matter your politics, it's for you, it's for them, it's for now, it's for later - there's really no one that doesn't benefit from protecting Ontario's green legacy. Possibility is truly growing in Ontario's Greenbelt ," said Mausberg.

Visit: www.greenbelt.ca to see details on the Environics polling.

Wrapping around the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the Greenbelt is 1.8 million acres of potential to make Ontario a better place. The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation is a charitable organization established to support the vitality of Ontario's Greenbelt. For more information about Ontario's Greenbelt visit www.greenbelt.ca.

For further information:

Burkhard Mausberg, President, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation
bmausberg - at - greenbelt - dot - ca or 416.960.0001 x 300

Susan Murray, Communications Director, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation
smurray - at - greenbelt - dot - ca  or 416.960.0001 x 310