National Urban Park status for the National Capital Greenbelt

Petition: 503

Issue(s): Biological diversity; Corporate social responsibility; Governance; Human/environmental health; Indigenous matters

Petitioner(s): A Canadian organization

Petitioner location(s): Gatineau, Quebec

Date received: 16 April 2024

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petition advocates for the National Capital Greenbelt to be made into a national urban park through Parks Canada’s National Urban Park Program. The petition claims that the National Capital Greenbelt meets all the criteria listed by Parks Canada, including Indigenous involvement, conserving nature, and protecting natural systems and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The petition questions when legislation will be put in place to establish a national urban park for the National Capital Region that includes the greenbelt and whether the minister responsible for the National Capital Commission will support this designation.

Furthermore, the petition claims that despite the importance of the National Capital Greenbelt, there is no federal legislated protection for the greenbelt lands, and at the present time, the boundaries of the greenbelt can be changed without parliamentary oversight. The petition asserts that without robust legal protection, the possibility of conserving the greenbelt for future generations is at risk. The petition questions when the boundaries of the National Capital Greenbelt will be confirmed.

Federal departments/organizations responsible for reply: Environment and Climate Change Canada; National Capital Commission; Parks Canada