At a time of rising economic insecurities and global uncertainties, Greenbelt Foundation’s new economic impact report, authored by Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada), highlights the regional and provincial economic contribution of sectors supported by the Greenbelt. It reveals that the Greenbelt generates $17 billion in Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and sustains over 247,000 full-time jobs. The report highlights prevailing economic trends, provides a breakdown of key sectors’ economic contributions, and elevates strategic opportunities enabled by the Greenbelt’s unique strengths and economies.
Key Findings:
- Greenbelt-dependent economic activity now generates $17B of Ontario’s overall GDP while sustaining 247,000 full-time jobs across primary and secondary sectors.
- Since the Greenbelt Foundation’s earlier economic impact assessment (2020), the Ontario Greenbelt has seen a 12% increase in province-wide economic contributions, adjusted for inflation, and a 17% increase in employment opportunities, underscoring its growing economic value across the region.
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors have seen the largest GDP increase of 29%.
- Greenbelt-linked economic activities generated almost $6 billion in government revenues, representing a 17% increase compared to the 2020 study.
By mid-century, the regional economy of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, where the Greenbelt is located, is projected to grow to support 14.8 million people and 7 million jobs.
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