London officially named 2026 Forest Capital of Canada

London was designated as the 2026 Forest Capital of Canada Wednesday as part of the city’s bicentennial celebration.

Municipal leaders celebrated London’s designation as the 2026 Forest Capital of Canada Wednesday afternoon, an annual distinction awarded by the Canadian Forestry Institute.

“It is a recognition of not only the seven million trees that we have in our city, but also the important role that they play to the history of the city, especially in the bi-centennial year but also the success of the city,” said Mayor Josh Morgan.

The award honours London’s deep connection to forested landscapes and its commitment to protecting the urban forest for future generations.

The city says it will deliver a variety of events throughout the 2026 term to strengthen London’s natural heritage.

A new plaque was unveiled at city hall to commemorate the major milestone.

“This plaque will travel to different events and city facilities this year for Londoners to see,” said Paul Yeoman, director of parks and forestry.

“It’s a handcrafted wooden carving symbolizing Canada’s forestry heritage. It was crafted from heritage pine longs retrieved from the bottom of the Ottawa river that rested there for a century and from during the river drive days. It depicts many elements of forestry as we know it in Canada,” he explained.