As Ottawa celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday, special projects are being implemented to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Engraving on Commemorative Rock.
At a tree planting ceremony held on the Lisgar Street lawn, Ottawa City Hall, on Sunday June 4th, Mayor Jim Watson announced a special initiative for the City of Ottawa that includes the planting of a grove of 150 Native Canadian Maples in each of Ottawa’s 23 wards.
The tree species to be planted include sugar, red and silver maples. Many of the groves were planted this spring, while others will be planted in the fall, between mid-September and mid-October.
The city, Tree Canada, the federal government, CN and Lee Valley funded the project. Tree Canada received financial support through the Canada 150 fund to complete 150 community greening initiatives across Canada. CN donated the sugar maple tree used to commemorate the Ottawa event. An engraved stone marks the location of the tree planting.
Maple Leaves Forever was amongst the guests invited to attend the official unveiling of the Project. It was recognized for its continued contribution to the City of Ottawa’s tree planting programs with a representative of Maple Leaves Forever present in the audience.
Community members, local dignitaries, several delegates from The Federation of Canadian Municipalities, representatives from the National Capital Commission and a theatre group dressed in Confederation era costume joined in the event.
Actors in Confederation era dress.
Mayor Jim Watson (speaking) with other event speakers.
Mayor Jim Watson (left) and event speakers “tossing some dirt”.
Fathers of Confederation actors posing with Federation of Canadian Municipalities plaque presented to the City of Ottawa June 4th