About the Initiative

LEAF is partnering with Housing York Inc. (HYI) and York Region - Natural Heritage and Forestry (York Region Forestry) to engage residents and staff in the stewardship of native trees on HYI properties as part of an exciting new pilot initiative.

LEAF recognizes and promotes the physical, mental and community benefits of having access to trees and green space. Some of these benefits include an increase in the amount of physical activity and sense of community, along with a decrease in stress and anxiety. With increasing air temperatures in summer months, shade trees also offer protection from sun exposure and help cool air temperatures. These benefits will also appreciate with time as the trees that are planted grow and mature, continuing to improve the canopy cover in these lower-income communities. 

Fundamental to this pilot initiative is engagement with residents and staff in the stewardship process. LEAF is unique in our commitment to spend a minimum of two years with each property after tree planting has been completed. Over those 2 years, LEAF will host meetings and events to engage residents at each site with a focus on long-term relationship building, empowering residents to take an active role in greening their communities, ensuring community buy-in as well as the success of the planting and stewardship of the trees.

Tree Planting & Stewardship
City of Toronto planting new trees on a TCHC property

Recognizing the many benefits that trees bring to a community, HYI and York Region Forestry are committed to growing the urban forest on HYI properties. Five HYI properties were selected by York Region Forestry to be included in the first year of the pilot.

In 2025, LEAF will engage residents at the following sites in the stewardship and care of newly planted trees:

  • 55 Orchard Heights Boulevard, Aurora
  • 125 Pugsley Avenue, Richmond Hill
  • 90 Dew Street, King
  • 37-39 North Street, Georgina
  • 76-78 Dunlop Street, Richmond Hill

The supply and installation of large caliper trees is provided by York Region Forestry. 

LEAF will engage residents in tree care at newly planted sites and with residents in properties to be planted in 2026.

Tree Stewardship

In each community, we work with residents and site staff to establish Tree Care Teams. The teams are made up of residents whose stewardship efforts help ensure the trees thrive for the first two years after they are planted. This period in a tree’s life is crucial as it is expending large amounts of energy establishing its root system. Providing care during this critical time helps trees develop healthy root systems and take care of themselves for years to come. 

Each team receives specialized, hands-on training from LEAF about proper tree care along with resources to help them carry out their stewardship efforts with confidence. The main responsibilities of the teams include regular watering, keeping tree bases free from weeds and mulching the trees when needed.

Partners

Housing York Inc. (HYI) is the largest community housing provider in York Region, offering safe, affordable homes to more than 4,500 residents across 3,124 units in 38 properties located in all nine local municipalities. HYI provides a mix of subsidized and market rental housing as well as emergency and transitional housing, contributing to strong, inclusive, and vibrant communities

The Regional Municipality of York strives to protect its trees and forests through careful management and conservation, promoting tree planting and controlling invasive species. York Region also hosts forestry events and guided walks, and supports outdoor educational programs. Funding for this project provided by York Region, supports tree planting and stewardship on community housing land helping grow the urban forest and engage residents in caring for their local environment. Additional support includes providing and planting large, mature trees.