Kiwanis Community Park in Peterborough’s south end welcomed 620 newly planted trees thanks to a collaborative effort involving about 60 volunteers and several community partners.
The tree planting initiative on Saturday was part of Tree Canada’s Community Tree Grant program, supported by the LCBO and the Trees 4 Peterborough initiative, which includes contributions from RBC Dominion Securities, the Excelsior Group, Peterborough Homes, and Merrett Home Hardware.
The project aims to restore the park’s tree canopy following the loss of approximately 400 Ash trees, which were removed due to damage caused by the Emerald Ash Borer. Invasive Buckthorn and other understory vegetation were also cleared in August to make way for the new native tree species planted during the event.
Several community organizations played a key role in making the project a success, including the Rotary Club of Peterborough, Peterborough GreenUp, and Otonabee Conservation. The planting of a diverse range of native trees is part of the City’s broader efforts to enhance its urban forest canopy and promote environmental sustainability.
“Tree Canada’s Community Tree Grants program provides funding and technical expertise for community greening, innovation and stewardship initiatives,” said Nicole Hurtubise, CEO of Tree Canada. “We are thrilled to support the City of Peterborough’s tree planting project, which will bring long-lasting social and environmental benefits where people live, work and play.”
The initiative also received support from RBC Dominion Securities, which launched the Trees 4 Peterborough program in 2022 with a five-year, $50,000 commitment through the RBC Foundation. Graham Culp, Branch Director at RBC Dominion Securities, noted the alignment with their broader environmental goals. “Since 2020, we have planted 25,000 trees through Tree Canada’s National Greening Program, as our way of saying thanks to our clients who have switched to paperless statements,” Culp said.
Local councillors expressed gratitude for the project’s positive impact on the community. “The planting of a diverse species of more than 600 trees in Kiwanis Park will be very much appreciated by the residents of Ashburnham Ward,” said Councillor Gary Baldwin, while Councillor Lesley Parnell praised the collaboration of local businesses and volunteers in making the initiative a reality.
For more information on Peterborough’s urban forest initiatives, visit peterborough.ca/trees.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
