Gathering for the Greenbelt

OCTOBER 1, 2024 –

Our Gather barn dance at Bela Farm in Hillsburgh, Ontario on September 29th was a huge success! Around 200 Greenbelt supporters joined us for a fun-filled afternoon of live music, dancing, art, family activities and local refreshments.

Small Change Fund VP, Development Kim Bilous shares:

The Gather brought together folks of all ages to celebrate one terrific asset we all love – the Greenbelt – in a spectacular setting. We have work to do to make sure it is safeguarded and enhanced but for one Sunday afternoon we just got to enjoy the Greenbelt along with great food and drink, music and dancing, and the company of one another. Delightful.

The event also served as the unofficial kickoff to our next phase of Greenbelt protection. While together we may have won the fight to save 7,500 acres of the Greenbelt from development, the proposed Highway 413 and Bradford Bypass remain significant threats to its integrity. And the ongoing need to protect farmland, forests and wetlands means we need to focus on expanding the Greenbelt beyond its existing boundaries.

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our work to protect the Greenbelt. A special shoutout goes to Rochelle Rubinstein, owner of Bela Farm, Donna Dooher (Mildred’s Temple Kitchen), Goodlot Farmstead Brewing, Heartwood Farm and Cidery and Music Declares Emergency Canada for their generous support of this event. In addition, we are grateful to musicians Ken Whiteley and North Atlantic Drift, as well as dance caller Kris Rosar.