Vaughan Plants Trees Today for a Greener Tomorrow
What does it mean when you plant a tree? It means that City streets, parks, playgrounds and open spaces become a green landscape that beautifies the community and improves quality of life. Thousands of trees across Vaughan were damaged or destroyed by the December 2013 ice storm and the City is working with external partners to plant new trees and grow the tree canopy.
Students from Maple High School joined City staff on Thursday, Oct. 30 to plant more than 500 trees and shrubs along the CN rail corridor near the school. The tree-planting event was made possible thanks to a grant the City received from CN’s EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program. The event gave the students an opportunity to learn the importance of improving the environment and the look of the neighbourhood, as well as the value and benefits of tree planting.
QUOTE
“The December ice storm had a tremendous impact on our community, leaving thousands of trees damaged or destroyed. This event is an important step forward in beginning the process of rebuilding the City’s tree canopy. It’s wonderful to involve young people so they can gain an understanding of how much of an impact trees have on a community. They provide environmental, economic and social benefits and improve our quality of life. I want to thank CN and Maple High School for their support in making a greener future for our City.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- The City of Vaughan’s tree-planting program replaces hundreds of trees annually
- More than 32,500 trees in Vaughan were impacted by the December 2013 ice storm and 13,600 need to be replaced
- The ice storm resulted in a 15 per cent loss to the City’s tree canopy
- CN's EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program seeks applications for tree planting and other greening programs in communities across its network, with a particular emphasis on properties adjacent to its rail line
LEARN MORE
Mayor Bevilacqua, Members of Council, CN officials and staff and students from Maple High School at the tree planting