At a campaign event Tuesday, McKenney announced he will work with the National Capital Commission (NCC) and Parks Canada to secure the designation and bring stricter environmental protections to public natural space. “This green space wraps around our city. People in our city enjoy it,” McKenney said outside the Nepean Sportsplex, which is located along the Greenbelt. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take advantage of the federal government’s National Urban Parks program.” The policy would see Greenbelt become the second such park in the country. Rouge National Urban Park in the greater Toronto area is currently the only one, home to Toronto’s only campground and some of the last remaining farms.
The federal authorities invested $130 million in the program
In August 2021, the federal government launched the $130.9 million national urban park program. The lands being considered for funding will contribute to the government’s goal of protecting 25 percent of land and inland waters by 2025, according to a press release announcing the program. The 20,000 hectare Greenbelt includes important landmarks such as the Mer Bleue and Pine Grove trail system. Owned by the NCC, it was created in the 1950s to protect agricultural land bordering the city from urban sprawl. Later developments in Kanata, Barrhaven and Orléans have since expanded beyond their boundaries. Pictured at a rally outside Ottawa City Hall in September 2021, McKenney says Ottawa should take advantage of a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. (Francis Ferland/CBC) McKenney, who said he has been “in touch” with the NCC and Parks Canada about the idea, said tighter protections for natural areas would also help boost tourism.
A ‘recycled idea’: Other contenders weigh in
Candidate Mike Maguire, who is running for mayor for the third time, said in an email to the CBC that he would like to know how the new definition would improve on existing protections. Candidate Parham Singh responded by email saying he recognizes the need to protect the Green Belt from urban sprawl, but added he doesn’t think the national urban park “will change anything in the short or long term.” Mayoral candidate Mark Sutcliffe released his environmental plan in mid-August, which included promises to install hundreds of electric vehicle charging stations and double the city’s annual tree-planting target. In an email to CBC, he said McKenney’s proposal is a “recycled idea.” “There is no doubt that we need to protect the Green Belt and ensure that development remains within the urban limits,” Sutcliffe wrote. “But taking designated green spaces and calling it something new is not serious climate leadership.” Five mayoral candidates — Brandon Bay, Bob Chiarelli, Nour Kadri, McKenney and Sutcliffe — have pledged to participate in a discussion about the environment and climate justice at Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St., from 7 p.m. on September 28.
