City of Vaughan

09/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/28/2024 11:15

Expanding Vaughan’s urban forest and protecting pollinators

The City of Vaughan is committed to protecting and maintaining our trees, which are integral to Vaughan's character and enhance the quality of life for our community. Not only that, they also produce oxygen, improve mental and physical health, and provide food and shelter for animals and humans.

In support of our efforts to protect this important resource, today, Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council, along with City staff, 50 volunteers and representatives from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, wrapped up National Forest Week with a tree planting event at Chancellor District Park.

Two hundred pollinator and shade trees were planted, which will form habitats and provide food and a wide range of resources for many animal species. This is just one of the City's many National Forest Week initiatives, which was made possible through a grant of $4,690 from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.

Tree planting initiatives further strengthen the City's commitment to environmental sustainability and developing our tree canopy, as outlined in the Urban Forest Management Plan(PDF). Vaughan has a canopy cover target of 25 per cent by 2051, with our current city-wide coverage at 20 per cent. As part of this plan, the City also developed the Woodland Management Strategy(PDF) to guide the management of all City-owned woodlands.

Watch our videoto learn more about the importance of planning for the future of Vaughan's trees, or visit vaughan.ca/UrbanForest.

QUOTE

"In Vaughan, we believe in protecting our natural environment to pass down a sustainable legacy to the next generation. Today, I was pleased to join my Council colleagues, City staff and community volunteers to plant 200 trees at Chancellor District Park. These trees will bring many benefits to our community, including adding shade to the park and protecting pollinator species. With the support of nearly $5,000 in grant funding from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, these new trees will make a positive difference in our community today and tomorrow. Events like this help to underscore the importance of planning for the future of our city, and I want to thank TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for their generosity and our Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations staff who work hard to ensure our urban forest remains healthy and green."

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

QUICK FACTS

  • The City of Vaughan received a grant of $4,690from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation to support the City's commitment to managing our urban forest.
  • Mayor Del Duca and Members of Council, City staff and 50 volunteers planted 200 trees at Chancellor District Park this morning to wrap up National Forest Week, which was proclaimed by the City from Sept. 22 to 28, 2024.
  • The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) is a national charity supporting various environmental initiatives across Canada.

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