Help shape the future of the Greenbelt
By Alain Miguelez, Vice-President, Capital Planning and Chief Planner, National Capital Commission
For more than 70 years, the National Capital Greenbelt has been a defining part of life in the National Capital Region. Reflecting the planning paradigms of the 1950s, it was created to contain the outward expansion of the urban area, protect natural landscapes, and offer a continuous network of green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Today, the Greenbelt covers more than 20,000 hectares of forests, wet-lands, farms, waterways, research sites, and recreational areas – nearly 15,000 of which are cared for by the National Capital Commission (NCC). Together, these lands form more than a boundary around the urban area – they create a living system that sustains biodiversity, supports local food production, strengthens climate resilience, and enhances the well-being of residents and visitors alike.
Why the Master Plan is being reviewed
The NCC is responsible for ensuring that the National Capital Greenbelt continues to thrive in a region that is rapidly evolving. The Greenbelt Master Plan – last updated in 2013 – guides how these lands are protected and managed, and like any long-term plan, it must adapt to new realities.
Population growth, development outside the Greenbelt, climate change, pressures on farmland, and increasing interest in infrastructure and green energy projects are all reshaping the region. Recognizing these shifts, the NCC is now undertaking a comprehensive review of the Master Plan to understand how the Greenbelt’s role is changing and to update the vision and policies that will guide its future.
And because the National Capital Greenbelt belongs to all Canadians, its future should be shaped by the people who experience it, value it, and rely on the benefits it provides.
How you can participate
This spring, the NCC will host a series of open houses across the region, along with an online survey. These engagement opportunities are your chance to influence the future of the Greenbelt by sharing what matters most to you. Further engagement opportunities will be available throughout the review process.
Whether you hike, cycle, farm, bird-watch, paddle or simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature in the Greenbelt, your perspective plays an important role in guiding the next chapter of this iconic landscape.
Join the conversation, contribute your ideas, and help shape a Greenbelt that remains healthy, resilient, and accessible for generations to come. Full consultation information such as open house details and to participate in our online survey, please visit the NCC’s website: Greenbelt Master Plan | National Capital Commission.
