Greenbelt’s Future in Gen Z’s Hands: Longridge Partners’ Bold Bet On Sustainable Design

As Ontario’s Greenbelt faces renewed scrutiny, Longridge Partners is taking a different approach—one that prioritizes conservation over commercialization. Instead of pushing for high-density development, the Toronto-based investment firm is handing the reins to Gen Z. Through a groundbreaking design competition, students across Ontario have the chance to shape the future of Melville Park, a 600-acre property within the Greenbelt, with sustainability at the core. In this exclusive Q&A, Longridge Partners CEO, Mack Crawford, shares why this initiative matters, how it could redefine land use, and what’s at stake for the next generation of environmental leaders. —Noa Nichol

What inspired Longridge Partners to take this unconventional approach of involving Gen Z in designing the future of the Melville Property?

Longridge Partners recognized a unique opportunity to empower youth by engaging them in a real-life property development challenge. This competition allows students to apply their skills in a practical scenario, bridging the gap between education and professional experience. By opening the competition to students, we are aiming to foster inclusivity, and encourage diverse perspectives. This diversity ensures a rich mix of ideas that challenge conventional approaches and encourage creative problem-solving. By giving students a platform to contribute, Longridge not only supports the next generation but also gains valuable insights and fresh thinking for the future of Melville Park.

Why do you believe it’s important to preserve the Greenbelt, and how does this project align with Longridge Partners’ commitment to protecting greenspaces?

Preserving the Greenbelt is critical for maintaining biodiversity, protecting vital natural habitats, and combating urban sprawl. Our mission to invest in good nature and connect people to the outdoors is tied to the Greenbelt’s preservation. The Melville Park project exemplifies this commitment by prioritizing the protection of key natural features like wetlands and woodlands through sustainable development. By creating spaces that respect the land’s ecological value while encouraging people to spend time in nature, this project strengthens the connection between communities and the environment, reinforcing our vision of enhancing quality of life through greenspace protection.

Can you walk us through what makes the Melville Property unique and why it was chosen for this competition?

The Melville property stands out due to its awe-inspiring natural topography with dramatic points of elevation, and a mix of woodlands, water features, and open natural areas spread over 624.5 acres, the varied land provides both challenges and opportunities for design. The property’s existing approval for a 27-hole golf course and stay-and-play cottages further positions it as a site where tourism and recreational opportunities can flourish. Located along Hurontario Street, a major transit route, and nestled between Orangeville and Caledon Village, and under an hour from the heart of the GTA, the site offers excellent accessibility, enhancing its appeal for regional visitors. These features make Melville Park an ideal canvas for exploring forward-thinking design concepts.

What are the key elements you hope to see in the designs submitted by students, and how will they contribute to connecting people with nature?

We hope to see creative proposals for Melville that align with Longridge’s core values while addressing the following key considerations:

• Economic Feasibility: Proposed development should demonstrate financial viability.
• Innovation: Successful submissions will express thoughtful and creative uses.
• Connectedness with Nature: Proposals can incorporate outdoor recreation or tourism, integrating the use of the property with its natural landscapes and providing people an opportunity to connect with the outdoors.

Why was it important for Longridge Partners to focus on sustainable development rather than prioritizing density and profitability?

Our mission is to invest in good nature and connect people to the outdoors. Thoughtful developments that preserve and promote access to the environment can serve as a way to protect it. We believe properties with rich natural features possess inherent values, and that spending time in nature not only increases our quality of life but also builds consciousness towards environmental projection.

How do you envision this competition impacting the participants’ future careers and the broader conversation around green development?

The competition provides students with valuable real-world experience in sustainable design and business development, enhancing their portfolios and professional skills. It encourages collaboration across disciplines, giving participants the opportunity to work with areas they may not be familiar with—such as architecture, business, and environmental planning—broadening their perspectives and expertise. Moreover, this experience fosters a deeper understanding of the importance of Greenbelt conservation and environmental stewardship. It challenges participants to move beyond traditional development focused solely on profit and instead consider how thoughtful design can enhance quality of life by connecting people to nature. By promoting these principles, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders to prioritize sustainable practices that balance growth with preserving and enriching natural spaces.

With the $100,000 grand prize on the line, what qualities or features will judges prioritize when evaluating the designs?

Judges will come from different backgrounds so each may prioritize differently when evaluating designs, some things that may be considered include:

• Innovation: Original and creative concepts.
• Sustainability: Practical and environmentally friendly solutions.
• Economic Feasibility: Demonstrated financial viability of proposals.
• Community Impact: Designs that enhance quality of life and public access to nature.
• Alignment with Policies: Adherence to the Greenbelt Plan and Caledon’s Official Plan.

What challenges do you foresee students facing when designing for both environmental preservation and community benefit, and how can they overcome them?

Students may face challenges in balancing environmental preservation with the need for economic viability and community benefit. To overcome these obstacles, they can:

• Conduct thorough research on sustainable development practices.
• Collaborate across disciplines to develop integrated solutions that address multiple objectives.
• Study successful similar projects for inspiration and insights, while ensuring their proposals align with the Town’s needs and regulations.

How does this initiative reflect Longridge Partners’ broader vision and values as an investment firm?

This initiative reflects several of Longridge’s core values by highlighting the economic potential of nature-rich properties that are thoughtfully developed and responsibly managed. By focusing on protecting natural features, the competition showcases our commitment to long-term, responsible investment strategies that prioritize the well-being of both people and the planet.

What do you hope this competition achieves in terms of public awareness and action regarding the importance of preserving the Greenbelt and greenspaces in Ontario?

This competition aims to showcase innovative ideas and forward-thinking projects within the Greenbelt, demonstrating how sustainable designs can provide people access to the incredible beauty that the Greenbelt is designed to protect, so that those spaces can be enjoyed.