About the Initiative
LEAF is partnering with Housing York Inc (HYI) and York Region Forestry to engage residents and staff in the stewardship of native trees on HYI properties as part of an exciting new pilot initiative.
LEAF recognizes and promotes the physical, mental and community benefits of having access to trees and green space. Some of these benefits include an increase in the amount of physical activity and sense of community, along with a decrease in stress and anxiety. Furthermore, with increasing air temperatures in summer months, shade trees offer respite from sun exposure and help cool air temperatures. These benefits will also appreciate with time as the trees that are planted grow and mature, continuing to improve the canopy cover in these lower-income communities.
Fundamental to this pilot initiative is engagement with residents and staff in the planning and stewardship process. LEAF is unique in our commitment to spend a minimum of two years with each property after tree planting has been completed. Over those 2 years, LEAF will host meetings and events to engage residents at each site with a focus on long-term relationship building, empowering residents to take an active role in greening their communities, ensuring community buy-in as well as the success of the planting and stewardship of the trees.
Recognizing the many benefits that trees bring to a community, HYI and York Region Forestry are committed to growing the urban forest on HYI properties. Five HYI properties were selected by York Region Forestry to be included in the first year of the pilot.
In 2025, LEAF will engage residents at the following sites in the stewardship of newly planted trees:
- 55 Orchard Heights Boulevard
- 125 Pugsley Avenue
- 90 Dew Street
- 3739 North Street
- 7678 Dunlop Street
The supply and installation of large caliper trees is provided by York Region Forestry.
LEAF will engage residents in tree care at newly planted sites and with residents in properties to be planted in 2026.
Tree Stewardship
At each site, we work with residents and site staff to establish Tree Care Teams. The teams are made up of residents who help ensure the trees thrive for the first two years after they are planted. This period in a tree’s life is crucial as it is expending large amounts of energy establishing its root system.
Each team receives specialized, hands-on training from LEAF about proper tree care along with resources to help them carry out their stewardship efforts with confidence. The main responsibilities of the teams include regular watering, keeping tree bases free from weeds and mulching the trees when needed.
Housing York Inc. (HYI) was established in 2003 and is The Regional Municipality of York’s housing company. HYI’s 38 housing properties, with 3,124 units, provide homes to more than 4,500 residents. HYI is the leading community housing provider in York Region with diverse housing communities in a nine local cities and towns.
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 designing and delivering successful planting and stewardship programs, as well as education and training programs across the GTA. LEAF plays the lead role community engagement, stewardship and education activities.
York Region Forestry manages 22 tracts of the York Regional Forest, spanning over 2,500 hectares for recreational use by the public. They provide the critical services needed to protect, maintain and enhance the urban forest. With funding for this project provided through York Region, they are investing in tree planting and stewardship on community housing land to help grow the urban forest. Additional support provided includes the supply and installation of large caliper trees.