Toronto Tree Canopy
Grant Program
Grants are now available for tree planting projects
on private property. Community groups and organizations with a proven
track record of tree planting on private property are invited to submit
an application. Grants are available for a range of project sizes
Grant applications are only accepted by mail (Canada
Post) and must be postmarked no later than December
14, 2007. Successful groups will be notified by
mid-January, 2008.
Background
The City of Toronto,
through its Climate Change, Clean
Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan
has provided funding for community tree planting organizations with
a proven track record of successful tree planting on private property.
These funds, made available from the Water Stabilization Reserve through
Toronto Water and Parks, Forestry and Recreation, are being provided
in order to enhance retainment of rainwater through planting trees
that will reduce surface run-off. This will help reduce energy use
related to water treatment, thereby contributing to the achievement
of the City's climate change and clean air targets.
Application Criteria
There are a limited number of grants available
and they will be awarded on a competitive basis. Decisions will be
made based on the following criteria:
-
Applicant must be either
registered with Revenue Canada as a charity or sponsored by an organization
with a charitable number.
-
Projects must take place
with in the City of Toronto on private lands.
-
Proven track record of successful
tree planting on private property.
-
Ability to carry out proposed
project.
-
Identification of storm water
retention benefits obtained by proceeding with the submitted project.
-
Planting methodology and
maintenance (after care) program that will ensure a very high survival
rate of trees planted, thus ensuring the development of mature trees
with extensive root systems that will help capture rainwater.
-
Programs that emphasize the
planting of appropriate (and non-invasive) tree species that will
grow to a significant mature size as compared to the use of smaller
species will be given priority.
-
Submissions that provide
the greatest benefits to the management of storm water (including
but not limited to projects that: use large species, address high
survival rates and result in a high potential capacity to absorb
run-off) will be given preference.
