The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear, The Maple Leaf forever!
These words belong to the patriotic song, “The Maple Leaf Forever”. It comes from the days of an emerging Canadian identity when Alexander Muir wrote this unofficial anthem as part of a song writing contest to celebrate the Confederation of Canada in 1867.
Legend has it that the song was inspired by a silver maple tree near Muir’s home in the east end of Toronto – the maple that we lost last summer. Inspired by the spirit of the song, the City of Toronto is working to ensure that the wood from this symbolic tree has a lasting public legacy.
When the fallen tree was removed from the road, all the pieces of wood were categorized and lots of care was taken to ensure they were kept in good condition. Eight months later, in March of 2014, the logs were processed into lumber and other "unique pieces". The wood now sits in a dehumidifier kiln to dry to five to ten per cent moisture content before it can be distributed for use in mid-May. As the legacy of the Maple Leaf Forever tree belongs to all of us, items created from the wood will be kept in the public realm.
What kinds of projects can this special wood be used for?
Government and public agencies can collaborate with designers, woodworkers, musical instrument makers and other artists to utilize the wood and create pieces for the public. For example, an artist might propose a project for a local library or community centre. A great example is a project of our own! LEAF has been pleased to exhibit some pieces made by local designers from some of the smaller branches (which we’ll be auctioning off later this year to support our urban forest programs).
A small amount of the wood will also be available for private sector projects. However, in order to ensure that the public still benefits, private users of the wood must make a donation to an urban forestry initiative (such as LEAF) before they can receive wood.
Do you have a project in mind?
If you’re interested in using wood from this historic tree, send an email to greentech@toronto.ca with your proposal. If your proposal is for private use, include the amount of money you’d be willing to donate to an urban forest initiative. You can find out more details about the type of lumber that is available here.
By requiring that the wood be used in mindful ways that give back to our community and to our urban forest, the City is ensuring that the Maple Leaf Forever tree lives on through its fundraising and awareness-raising potential! What a great way to extend the life of this historic urban tree!
If you’d like to make a donation to LEAF, it’s easy! Just visit our website. Your support helps us teach people about the urban forest and improve the quality of life in our communities through planting and stewardship programs.
Robyn Stewart is the Education & Outreach Coordinator at LEAF.
LEAF’s Urban Wood Utilization initiatives are supported by the City of Toronto - Economic Development & Culture.