NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD
*************************
The Town of Collingwood is pleased to offer Canopy Collingwood for a second year, and the program has expanded to make our community even greener.
New this year, the program will include residential pollinator gardens that increase pollinator habitats and access to food, in addition to tree planting. Collingwood residents will be provided a financial incentive in the form of a rebate on the purchase of up to two trees from a recognized nursery or garden centre operation, or the materials required to establish a pollinator garden on private property.
This program is made possible by the very generous donation of Julie DiLorenzo, who has committed $500,000 over five years to support the enhancement of Collingwood’s environmental assets.
During the spring planting phase of the initiative, Collingwood residents who purchase a tree(s) or plant materials before July 4 will be eligible to receive 50 per cent of the cost (before delivery charges and taxes) in the form of a rebate from the town. The maximum rebate per tree amount is $150 each tree (maximum two). The rebate for a pollinator garden is also 50 per cent of the cost to a maximum of $150 with one rebate per property.
The program will launch again in September for fall planting.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Canopy Collingwood residential backyard tree program 2021 Phase 1 and Phase 2. Together we planted over 250 trees in our community.
Canopy Collingwood Program requirements
- This program applies to Collingwood residents only
- The purchased trees/pollinator gardens are encouraged to be native to the area
- Two trees per property may be eligible for the program
- Purchasers will need to provide a receipt dated prior to July 4, 2022, for spring planting
- Trees and pollinator gardens must be planted in space owned by the purchaser within the Town of Collingwood, and not on town lands
- Purchaser is required to take a picture of planted tree/planted garden and submit with application for rebate
For further program details and online rebate application, visit collingwood.ca/canopy.
Looking to donate to Collingwood’s tree canopy program? Join Julie DiLorenzo as a contributor to the benefits provided by trees including carbon capture, support for stormwater management, shade, habitats, food, improved soil conditions, and many more.
Email [email protected] and let us know you would like to donate.
About the town’s urban forest management program
The urban forest management plan was adopted by council in 2019, which presents a road map to enhance our urban forest operations as well as policy, planning and development. The plan speaks to the importance the urban forest has on health, the natural environment and climate change. Current tree canopy cover in the town is estimated at 31.7 per cent (2019) and being able to provide funds to residents for tree planting on private land will be a key contributor to retaining the town’s 30 per cent canopy cover goal.
About Bee City Canada
Bee City Canada recognizes the commitment to develop, restore and preserve pollinator-friendly habitats across Canada.
Collingwood became a Bee City on Feb. 18, 2021. One of the many benefits to becoming part of the Bee City community is to improve its municipal environment and the physical and mental health of the residents by connecting people with nature and encouraging healthy, clean food consumption. Healthy citizens equal healthy, productive cities. Pollinator habitat creates beauty. Selecting pollinator-friendly plants including native trees, shrubs, vines, forbs, and grasses, along with herbs and vegetables, provides food for wildlife and humans, too.
*************************
