Toronto, ON – In August, the local non-profit organization, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), launched a new incentive to address inequities in canopy coverage across the city by increasing access to planting services in low-canopy neighborhoods. This year-long pilot allows Toronto property owners located in eligible Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIA) to plant for free on their property.
With over 60% of all trees in Toronto located on private property, support for tree planting and stewardship on private land is vital to reaching Toronto's 40 percent canopy cover target. As urban temperatures continue rising because of climate change, this inequitable access to the environmental and health-related benefits that trees provide is of growing importance.
"We need to ensure that the benefits of a healthy urban forest are accessible to all residents of Toronto. The Neighbourhood Improvement Areas Incentive program marks a significant step forward in addressing the disparities in canopy coverage across our city,” said Janet McKay, Executive Director of LEAF. “By empowering property owners in eligible areas to plant trees and enhance green spaces, we are not only beautifying our neighborhoods but also fostering tree equity, resilience against climate change and well-being for all.”
The new incentive works in tandem with LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting (BYTP) Program which is a subsidized program supported by the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry branch that has been helping residents plant the right native species in the right place with the right care for over 20 years. The service provided by LEAF includes a site consultation with an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist to help select native trees that are adapted to the local conditions; a five-to-eight-foot-tall native deciduous tree or a two-to-four-foot-tall native evergreen tree; up to three native shrubs; full planting service or delivery; and resources to help care for the newly planted trees.
“We are thrilled to be a long-time supporter of the Backyard Tree Planting Program and applaud the efforts by our partners at LEAF for launching their new low-canopy neighbourhood greening initiative,” said Jennifer Gibb, Supervisor of Strategic Tree Planting Projects at the City of Toronto. “This focused approach to growing a healthy and equitably distributed canopy, ensures that all residents of Toronto have access to the many benefits that trees can provide.”
This Initiative is made possible with funding of the Arbor Day Foundation and Salesforce and the continuing support of the City of Toronto.
“Everyone deserves equitable access to green space and the countless benefits trees can provide. By planting trees, we can help bridge the gap in nature disparity and transform underserved communities,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “LEAF has worked as an environmental steward in its community for many years and we’re confident this latest project will only further their ability to maximize the impact of Toronto’s urban canopy.”
"At Salesforce, we're committed to investing in community-led solutions that help prevent and respond to the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities,” said Naomi Morenzoni, Senior Vice President of Climate and Innovation Philanthropy at Salesforce. “We're proud to support this initiative with the Arbor Day Foundation and LEAF to promote tree equity and community wellbeing."
Eligible NIAs include Downsview, Glenfield-Jane Heights, Keelsedale-Eglinton West, Oakdale-Beverley Heights and Weston-Pelham Park. Properties that are eligible to participate include single dwelling homes as well as multi-unit properties such as apartment complexes, townhouses, religious centres, co-op properties and more! For participants in this new initiative, there is a limit of one free tree and up to three free shrubs per property per year (space permitting), available on a first come first served basis.
To learn more about the NIA Incentive and to apply, visit www.yourleaf.org/toronto-low-canopy-neighbourhood-greening-initiative.
PARTNERS:
About the Arbor Day Foundation: Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Together with our partners, we have helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. Through our members, partners and programs, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people across the globe to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
About Salesforce: Salesforce empowers companies of every size and industry to connect with their customers through the power of AI + data + CRM. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com.
About the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry Branch: The City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Branch is home to one of the largest urban forestry programs in Canada. It is responsible for the management, growth and stewardship of Toronto's urban forest through maintenance, planting, protection and planning. Toronto's urban forest comprises more than 11.5 million trees and is valued at $7.04 billion.
About LEAF: LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of the urban forest. Beginning in 1996, LEAF has been delivering successful planting and stewardship programs that engage citizens. LEAF envisions healthy, vibrant communities where everyone values and cares for the urban forest.
MEDIA CONTACTS
The Arbor Day Foundation
Amy Lester, Ventures Project Coordinator
alester@arborday.org
City of Toronto
Media@toronto.ca
Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF)
Justin Lewis, Marketing and Communications Lead
416-413-9244 | justin@yourleaf.org