Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg has been awarded two grants that will go toward the planting of an additional 200 trees and 200 shrubs in natural areas and other public green spaces throughout the city this year.
The City of Winnipeg has been awarded a $1,600 grant from Tree Canada - Tree to Our Nature Canada 150 Legacy Program funded by the Government of Canada to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary.
“The environment is one of the major themes at the heart of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Confederation, which is why the Government of Canada is pleased to support Tree Canada,” said The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “The Canada 150 project ‘Tree to Our Nature’ will not only leave a lasting legacy for future generations, but also allow Canadians to get closer to nature and increase their environmental awareness. As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I would like to acknowledge everyone taking part in this inspiring and unifying project. I applaud your efforts to help build healthy, sustainable communities.”
“All across the world, trees are a symbol of growth, strength, sustainability, hope, and peace,” said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. “Our #Canada150 tree-planting celebrations are a perfect way to commemorate Canada’s legacy in a positive, meaningful and lasting way, all while engaging people from coast to coast to coast.”
Winnipeg has also been awarded a $25,000 grant from the CN EcoConnexions - From the Ground Up Program. This program is sponsored by CN and Tree Canada to provide funding for the greening of municipal properties across Canada, especially in communities where CN operates. The intent of the program is to enhance the environmental and social well-being and health of communities by encouraging those communities along the CN corridor to establish tree plantings in a sustainable, environmentally responsible manner.
“We are proud to be part of a program that helps make communities across Canada better places to live, work and play,” said Luc Jobin, president and chief executive officer of CN. “In hundreds of Canadian communities, the railway has been a part of life for generations. We honour that history, and we proudly look toward our shared future with these Canada 150 celebrations.”
“We are grateful to receive this funding which will allow the City to work with community groups to beautify neighbourhoods and promote volunteer efforts to improve the tree canopy in Winnipeg,” said Matt Allard, acting deputy mayor. “As part of this project, the City will develop a stock of native trees and shrubs and continue to preserve our unique natural heritage.”
The City’s Public Works Department will use these grant monies to engage with a number of community groups in tree planting projects focused on establishing natural forest areas using plant material propagated from trees and shrubs existing in our natural heritage areas. Interested community groups will be chosen on a first come, first serve basis and can contact 311 for more information.