The Roxborough Greenbelt is 3 hectares of greenspace bordered by Kingsmount Blvd. and Riverside Dr., and running from Winchester Dr. to Junction Creek (in Sudbury, Ontario).  It is a healthy successional forest of birch, poplar and maple on the east end, and poplar, alder and willow on the west end.  There is healthy soil development and undergrowth.  Many wildlife live in and use this habitat.  There is also a long history of neighbourhood use, as evidenced by about 400m of well maintained foot trails that continue to be well used year-round.

This land was privately owned, almost exclusively by Dalron Construction.  It was registered as a subdivision in 1928, and this designation has been grandfathered through to the present.  This left the way clear for development of this land for residential purposes, without any environmental or public review required.

Dalron originally planned several phases of development (extending Roxborough Dr.), and had obtained all the necessary approvals to proceed.  Developing these lots would involve extensive blasting and alteration of the landscape.  Very few trees would be spared.

Fortunately, Dalron was open to the city acquiring this land if the proper agreement could be reached. In spring 2007,  a unique agreement was reached to protect the Roxborough Greenbelt as public Greenspace.  A $50,000 community contribution, organized by Friends of the Roxborough Greenbelt, was an essential part of this agreement.  This contribution was completed in the spring of 2008.  Final Council approval for the agreement was given that summer.  The Roxborough Greenbelt became public greenspace the following spring, when the real estate transaction closed  March 30, 2009, transferring the land to public ownership.  It is now protected as a natural park.

Why was is it so important to protect  the Roxborough Greenbelt?

*This greenspace has become an important part of the character of this neighbourhood, and is valued by residents for its beauty, and as a wonderful place to walk and play, contributing to quality of life and healthy living.

*This greenspace plays the role of a valuable natural park right in the centre of the city, with established footpaths connecting to the Trans Canada Trail and the Junction Creek Waterway Park.

*This greenspace is an important educational resource

*This greenspace provides many services: e.g.  improved air quality, reduced run-off to storm sewers and Junction Creek, moderation of extreme temperatures, and noise buffer.

*This greenspace provides important habitat for native plants and wildlife, including many that rely on a complex natural habitat rare in urban settings (eg.  falcons, pileated woodpeckers)