Caledon resident among those recognized for protecting Oak Ridges Moraine

February 13, 2015 · 0 Comments

The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation recently announced the 2014 winners of the Friend of the Greenbelt Award.
Recognizing those who have worked hard to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine, part of Ontario’s Greenbelt, this year’s award was shared among five individuals representing a number of organizations: Caledon resident Debbe Crandall, of Save the Oak Ridges Moraine Coalition; Glenn De Baeremaeker, of Save the Rouge Valley System; Amber Ellis, of Earthroots; Steve Gilchrist, former Ontario Cabinet Minister; and Caroline Schultz, of Ontario Nature.
“The Oak Ridges Moraine is an integral part of Ontario’s Greenbelt,” said Burkhard Mausberg, CEO of the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation. “By honouring those who have worked so hard to protect it, we’re ensuring the protection of Ontario’s most precious water resources for generations to come.”
Stretching more than 160 kilometres across the most populated area of Ontario, the Oak Ridges Moraine is the source of 64 major streams or rivers, providing clean, safe drinking water to more than a quarter of a million people. A contentious issue in its early days, the Oak Ridges Conservation Act, 2001 was recognized and supported by all political parties when passed by the Ontario legislature.
According to the most recent Greenbelt poll, conducted by Environics Research Group, nearly all respondents (99 per cent) said protecting the natural water system is an important benefit of the Greenbelt. As a significant ecological feature in Ontario, the natural hydrological system of the Oak Ridges Moraine is vital to the health and well-being of Ontarians.
Each of the individuals receiving the Friend of the Greenbelt Award has contributed in some way to helping keep the Moraine safe from development and to ensuring that it remains an integral part of Ontario’s Greenbelt.
Since 2006, recipients of the Friend of the Greenbelt Award have included Sarah Harmer, Bill Davis, Plan B Organic Farm, Grape Growers of Ontario, and the LCBO among others.

Glenn De Baeremaeker, Debbe Crandall, Caroline Schultz, Amber Ellis and former Ontario Cabinet Minister Steve Gilchrist are the 2014 winners of the Friend of the Greenbelt Award.