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City Looks Into Provincial Funding to Grow Tree Canopy
Sault Ste. Marie could significantly increase the number of trees planted across the city if a new funding application is successful.
City council has approved an application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Growing Canada’s Community Canopies Tree Planting program.
If approved, the city could receive up to $250,000 in grants over five years, matched by the city’s existing $50,000 annual contribution.
The additional funding could effectively double the city’s current tree-planting program. The city currently plants about 150 trees each spring, and the funding could allow for roughly 300 trees a year, depending on species, site conditions and other factors.
The trees would be planted on city properties including parks, boulevards and open spaces.
The project would also support goals around climate adaptation, biodiversity, stormwater management, air quality and expanding Sault Ste. Marie’s urban tree canopy.
The city expects to hear whether its application is successful within the next couple of months.
