Toronto, ON – The local non-profit organization, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), has expanded its initiative to address inequities in canopy cover across the city by including all low-canopy Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIA). Launched in August 2023, the year-long pilot enables Toronto property owners located in eligible NIAs to plant for free on their property.
Eligible NIAs include any which have below 26.9% canopy cover, which is the average in Toronto, based on the most recent tree canopy and neighborhood data. Of the 33 NIAs in Toronto, 23 have below average canopy cover.
With more than 60 percent of Toronto’s trees located on private property, it is vital to encourage tree planting and stewardship on private land to achieve the city’s 40 percent canopy cover target. As urban temperatures rise due to climate change, addressing unequal access to the environmental and health-related benefits of trees is becoming increasingly important.
"We need to ensure that every resident of Toronto has access to the benefits of a healthy urban forest. The Neighbourhood Improvement Areas Incentive program seeks to address the disparities in canopy coverage across our city,” said Janet McKay, Executive Director of LEAF. “Empowering residents in eligible areas to plant trees and enhance green spaces not only beautifies our neighborhoods but also nurtures tree equity, strengthens resilience against climate change and promotes well-being for all.”
The incentive works in tandem with LEAF’s Backyard Tree Planting (BYTP) Program, a subsidized program supported by the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry branch that has been helping residents plant the right native species in the right place with the right care for over 20 years. The service provided by LEAF includes a site consultation with an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist to help select native trees that are adapted to the local conditions; five-to-eight-foot-tall native deciduous trees, two-to-four-foot-tall native evergreen trees and native shrubs; full planting service or delivery; and resources to help care for the newly planted trees.
“We are proud to offer our continued support to the Backyard Tree Planting Program and are happy to see LEAF’s Low-Canopy Neighbourhood Greening Initiative expanding this year to serve all low-canopy Neighbourhood Improvement Areas,” said Jennifer Gibb, Supervisor of Strategic Tree Planting Projects at the City of Toronto. “Targeted efforts such as this are vital in ensuring that all residents of Toronto can benefit from a strong and healthy urban forest.”
This Initiative is made possible with funding of the Arbor Day Foundation and Salesforce and the continuing support of the City of Toronto.
“Trees are vital for improving the quality of our health, our homes, and the planet we share. Enhancing urban tree coverage can significantly benefit communities, particularly in low-canopy neighborhoods,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We’re proud to support LEAF as they continue work to enrich Toronto by harnessing the transformative power of trees.”
“Trees are the best green infrastructure solution we have to fight climate change, advance equity, and create tangible benefits for people," said Naomi Morenzoni, Senior Vice President of Climate and Innovation Philanthropy at Salesforce. "We're proud to support the Arbor Day Foundation and LEAF in championing this initiative, which not only fosters tree equity but also enhances community resilience for all.”
Properties that are eligible to participate include single-dwelling homes as well as multi-unit properties such as apartment complexes, townhouses, religious centres, co-op properties and more! For participants in this new initiative, there is a limit of one free tree and up to three free shrubs per property per year for single-dwelling homes and up to three free trees and five free shrubs per property per year for multi-unit and business properties (space permitting), available on a first come first served basis.
To learn more about the NIA Incentive and to apply, visit www.yourleaf.org/toronto-low-canopy-neighbourhood-greening-initiative.
ELIGIBLE NIAS
Eligible NIAs include: Beechborough-Greenbrook, Black Creek, Downsview, Eglinton East, Glenfield-Jane Heights, Golfdale-Cedarbrae-Woburn, Humber Summit, Humbermede, Ionview, Keelesdale-Eglinton West, Kennedy Park, Kingsview Village-The Westway, Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown, Oakdale-Beverley Heights, Regent Park, Rockcliffe-Smythe, Rustic, South Parkdale, Thorncliffe Park, Weston, Weston-Pelham Park, Woburn North, York University Heights
PARTNERS:
About the Arbor Day Foundation: Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Together with our partners, we have helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. Through our members, partners and programs, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people across the globe to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
About Salesforce: Salesforce empowers companies of every size and industry to connect with their customers through the power of AI + data + CRM. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com.
About the City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry Branch: The City of Toronto's Urban Forestry Branch is home to one of the largest urban forestry programs in Canada. It is responsible for the management, growth and stewardship of Toronto's urban forest through maintenance, planting, protection and planning. Toronto's urban forest comprises more than 11.5 million trees and is valued at $7.04 billion.
About LEAF: 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 delivering successful planting and stewardship programs that engage citizens. LEAF envisions healthy, vibrant communities where everyone values and cares for the urban forest.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
The Arbor Day Foundation
Amy Lester, Ventures Project Coordinator
alester@arborday.org
City of Toronto
Media@toronto.ca
Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF)
Justin Lewis, Marketing and Communications Lead
416-413-9244 | justin@yourleaf.org