Collingwood is thrilled to announce the return of Canopy Collingwood for its fourth consecutive year, all thanks to the unwavering support of Julie DiLorenzo!
This incredible initiative is made possible by Julie DiLorenzo's generous donation of $500,000 over five years, dedicated to enhancing Collingwood's environmental assets including growing Collingwood’s Tree canopy and pollinator gardens.
What's in store for Town of Collingwood residents? Get ready to spruce up your surroundings with residential pollinator gardens and backyard trees, creating vital habitats for pollinators and wildlife. But here's the best part – Town of Collingwood residents will be rewarded with a financial boost through rebates on the purchase of up to two trees from recognized nurseries or garden centers, or on plant materials for establishing a new pollinator garden on private property.
During the Spring planting phase, residents who make purchases before July 5th, 2024, are eligible to receive a 50% rebate on the cost (excluding delivery charges and taxes) from the Town. Each tree is eligible for a maximum rebate of $150 (up to 2 trees), while pollinator gardens can receive a maximum rebate of $150 per property.
Don't worry if you miss the Spring planting season – the program will relaunch for Fall planting opportunities in September.
"Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Canopy Collingwood Bees & Trees program to date. Together, we've made a significant impact, planting over 700 trees and 81 pollinator gardens in our community since the program's launch!" says Wendy Martin, Manager, Parks.
For program details, including eligibility criteria and application, visit: www.collingwood.ca/canopy.
Highlights of the Program:
- This program is exclusive to Town of Collingwood residents.
- Choose trees and pollinator gardens native to the Collingwood area (annuals and vegetables/herbs are not eligible).
- Each property is eligible for rebates for two trees and one pollinator garden.
- Trees and pollinator gardens must be planted in space owned by the purchaser within the Town of Collingwood, and not on Town lands.
- Purchasers will need to provide a receipt dated prior to July 5, 2024, for Spring planting and October 31st for Fall planting.
- Capture your newly planted treasures with a photo and include it with your rebate application.
- An online application is available to submit your rebate request along with the necessary documents.
Let's keep Collingwood green and thriving – one tree and garden at a time!
Looking to donate to Collingwood’s Tree Canopy Program?
Join Julie DiLorenzo as a contributor to the benefits provided by trees including carbon capture, support for stormwater management, shade, habitats, food, improved soil conditions, and many more. Email anorris@collingwood.ca and let us know you would like to donate.
About the Town’s Urban Forest Management Program
The urban forest management plan was adopted by council in 2019 which presents a road map to enhance our urban forest operations as well as policy, planning, and development. The plan speaks to the importance the urban forest has on health, the natural environment, and climate change. Current tree canopy cover in the Town is estimated at 31.7% (2019) and being able to provide funds to residents for tree planting on private land will be a key contributor to retaining the Town’s 30% canopy cover goal.
About Bee City Canada
Bee City Canada recognizes the commitment to develop, restore, and preserve pollinator-friendly habitats across Canada.
Collingwood became a Bee City on February 18, 2021. One of the many benefits of becoming part of the Bee City community is to improve its municipal environment and the physical and mental health of the residents by connecting people with nature and encouraging healthy, clean food consumption. Healthy citizens equals healthy, productive cities. Pollinator habitat creates beauty. Selecting pollinator friendly plants including native trees, shrubs, vines, forbs, and grasses, along with herbs and vegetables, provides food for wildlife and humans too.
About Collingwood
The Town of Collingwood is a progressive community located in the heart of a four-season recreation area on the southern shore of Georgian Bay. The area is well known for its many natural amenities and its rich heritage. Collingwood is a destination for tourism and many business, sporting, and cultural events Collingwood acts as gateway to the South Georgian Bay region, with stunning landscapes that encourage an active lifestyle, and inspire the local arts and culture community. Downtown Collingwood might just surprise you with 30 plus restaurants, 60 plus boutique shops, spas for relaxing, live music for grooving…all in the only downtown core recognized in Canada’s Registrar of Historic Places! More recently, the harbourfront area is emerging as an extension to the downtown district. Plans for expanding the amenities and events in the harbourfront area promise to make this a much more prominent tourism destination.