The TCHC Program
LEAF has been working with Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and the City of Toronto since 2018 to engage communities in the planting and stewardship of native trees and shrubs on TCHC properties.
Trees and shrubs, which make up the urban forest, are cornerstones of liveable communities. They provide benefits and services such as shade and cooling, lower feelings of anxiety and stress, and improve the sense of community. Unfortunately, the urban forest and, by extension, its benefits are not equitably distributed across the city. Lower-income communities often have lower tree cover compared to affluent communities. In addition, many trees on TCHC properties have been severely affected by extreme weather events over the past decade and thousands of trees have been removed due to the emerald ash borer. Most remaining trees in these communities are limited to a handful of species, many of which are non-native such as Norway maple and Austrian pine.
This program aims to engage tenants and staff in TCHC communities to improve the local tree canopy, providing tenants with the many benefits that trees offer.
A central element of the program is the engagement of local tenants and site staff in planting locations, species selection and stewardship. Training and tree care resources are provided to ensure each tree and shrub thrives.
Planting sites are identified in consultation with TCHC tenants and TCHC Facilities Management staff. The supply and installation of large caliper trees is provided by the City of Toronto. In 2023, we helped green 25 TCHC communities with almost 350 native trees and shrubs through the TCHC Planting and Stewardship Program.
Recognizing the benefits that trees bring to a neighbourhood, many TCHC communities have a desire for tree planting. We are honoured to have worked with over 30 communities to plant nearly 430 new trees as part of this program.
The supply and installation of large caliper trees is provided by the City of Toronto. Cohen and Master also supplied and installed large caliper trees as an in-kind service in the program’s pilot year.
At each site, we work with tenants and site staff to establish Tree Care Teams. The teams are made up of tenants who help ensure the trees thrive.
"Through the project, I was able to learn how to properly care for trees and other plants and developed greater respect for greenspace and mother nature" – Tree Care Team member
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.
We work with the Tree Care Teams to host fun and educational community events that celebrate the trees and the people that help care for them. "A key benefit to me is that this project was able to bring the community together through the tree care parties that were held, which got tenants out and engaging with each other while caring for the trees!" – Tree Care Team member
Trees are not the only way that tenants can experience the benefits of the urban forest. Shrubs bridge the gap for communities which desire greening but may not have the space or desire for trees. That is why we offer native shrubs that can be planted on TCHC properties, along fence lines of community gardens and in garden beds alongside buildings. Since 2018, over 1,200 native shrubs have been planted by tenants at over 60 properties.
Program Partners
Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) is Canada's largest social housing provider. TCHC is owned by the City of Toronto and provides homes for nearly 60,000 low- and moderate-income households in 106 of the city’s 140 neighbourhoods. Their 2,100 buildings represent a $9-billion public asset.
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 City of Toronto. LEAF plays the lead role in the planting, stewardship and education activities.
The City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Branch provides the critical services needed to protect, maintain and enhance the urban forest. With funding for this project provided in part through a Urban Forestry Grant, the City of Toronto is investing in tree planting and stewardship on private land to help grow the urban forest. Additional support provided includes the supply and installation of large caliper trees.
In-Kind Support
Thank you to the following companies for providing mulch throughout the years!
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Interested in finding out more about this project? Want to learn all about the latest updates and news? Read through our media releases and blogs for more information on how we're working with TCHC communities to green and beautify their properties.
Read our media releases:
- November 8, 2023 - LEAF Celebrates Innovative Tree Planting Program With Toronto Community Housing And Partners
- April 12, 2022 - Celebrating Five Years of Increasing Tree Canopy Through the TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative
- November 30, 2021 - LEAF Awarded TD Green Space Grant to Support TCHC Planting and Stewardship Initiative
- April 21, 2021 - Toronto Community Housing, the City of Toronto and partners celebrate Earth Week by offering free trees and shrubs to tenants
- November 4, 2019 - Toronto Community Housing and partners celebrate innovative tree planting initiative
- May 15, 2019 - Toronto Community Housing tree project: spring season celebration and tour
- November 16, 2018 - Toronto Community Housing Partners with Several Organizations to Expand Tree Canopy in Its Communities
Read our blogs:
- For Climate and Community: The Benefits of Planting and Stewardship with a TCHC Resident
- Stewarding the Earth, the Community and the Soul
- TCHC Tenant Cares For His Trees and Community
- Five Years of Planting Native Shrubs with LEAF and TCHC
- Inspiring TCH Tenant Shares Her Experience Working With LEAF
- TCH Tenant Committed to Greening His Community
- Young Urban Forest Leader Greens Her TCH Community
- Shrubbing It Up in the City!
- Growing Teams and Growing Trees at Toronto Community Housing Sites
- How Much Are Our Trees Worth?
- Meet the New Neighbours at Toronto Community Housing Properties!
- Trailblazing the Way for Equitable Tree Planting
- Stewarding Trees for the Future
- Greening Community Housing Properties Grows More than Trees
- Bringing Trees to Communities and Communities to Trees
Supporting Partners
