City of Ottawa relaunching tree dedication program with expanded eligibility

People take a photo under blossoming apple trees at Mooney's Bay Park in Ottawa, on Saturday, May 23, 2020. (Justin Tang/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The City of Ottawa has relaunched its tree dedication program, allowing residents to commemorate a newly planted tree in honour of an individual or a group.

Previously known as the “commemorative tree program”, the new program will have two categories: a personal dedication and a community dedication. Eligibility has also been broadened to include milestones, events, and accomplishments. The tree planting site can now be selected from pre-determined locations in various city parks and the applicant has a choice of tree species based on the site conditions.

A personal dedication costs $995 plus HST. The cost includes the installation of the tree, watering of the tree for three years, and a tree tag marking the dedication. To secure a tree, you must make a $150 deposit. Personal dedications can include the loss of a family member, a new birth, an accomplishment such as a graduation, or an event like an anniversary.

A community dedication costs $1,750 plus HST. This is for commemorating a community leader, milestone, event or accomplishment that is significant to the public at large. In addition to tree installation and three years of watering, the cost also includes a plaque. These dedicates are vetted in accordance with the Municipal Commemoration policy.

All dedications, both personal and community, will also be searchable in an interactive online map on the City of Ottawa’s website.

Tree planting is expected to begin as early as this spring.

There are at least 24 parks where dedicated trees can be planted, with several species to choose from.

Full details are available on Ottawa.ca.