The City of Orillia is partnering up with Sustainable Orillia to plant more trees in the community.
On Sept. 28, the two organizations will come together to celebrate National Tree Day by planting saplings on city property, as well as providing saplings to residents for their properties on a first come, first served basis.
The idea was brought forward at Monday’s council meeting by councillors Jay Fallis, David Campbell, and Janet-Lynne Durnford, who met with Sustainable Orillia officials over the past several months about the idea.
“Sustainable Orillia has offered to give $1,200 for the purchase of saplings for planting on a city site to be determined,” said Fallis. “There is no financial cost to the city, thanks to Sustainable Orillia’s donation. It will cost staff time, potentially some garden tools – we'll see if we can negotiate that into the agreement.”
Although National Tree Day is on Sept. 25, the councillors’ staff report notes the Sept. 28 – a Saturday – will make it easier to ensure volunteers are available.
Fallis said the tree planting will be a one-off event, with city staff planning tree planting initiatives moving forward.
“We won't be continuing this after this year,” he said. “In future years, staff have identified a proposal for a staff-led tree planting initiative, which I believe is coming to budget later.”
During discussion, Coun. Tim Lauer mentioned there may be a budget allotment from a previous city tree planting initiative – as one of the planned trees did not get planted at the Orillia Recreation Centre because it was still under construction – that may be used for the project.
“I would check into the budget and just see if there wasn't still an allowance for that tree,” he said.
With council’s approval on Monday, city staff will work with the three councillors and Sustainable Orillia to determine a good site for the trees, and city staff will work with Sustainable Orillia on a news release with more information about the initiative.
