Maple Leaves Forever is pleased to add Collingwood to our Community Honour Roll listing municipalities and planting agencies that have committed to planting Native Maple trees.

As reported in Collingwood Today on April 25, 2023:

“While brandishing a bottle of Canadian maple syrup, Coun. Christopher Baines pleaded with councillors during their regular meeting this week to vote in favour of bringing more Native Maple trees to Collingwood.

Moved by Baines, council, seemingly inspired by the gesture, approved a motion Monday night committing to plant Native Maple trees in Collingwood planting process whenever they are suited for a project.

“It’s outrageous that we aren’t using native Maple trees. We should be using Indigenous trees whenever and wherever we can,” said Baines. “Let’s be more proactive.”

“Baines says he was first informed of the issue of dwindling Native Maple trees during a presentation to the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority by tree advocate Ken Jewett, the founder of Maple Leaves Forever. Jewett started the foundation in 2002 after finding that Native Canadian maples were in decline across Canada as the National Capital Commission had been sourcing maple trees from Oregon.”

READ FULL ARTICLE on CollingwoodToday.ca

The Town Council of Collingwood, Ontario voted to carry the following motion at their April 24 meeting (excerpt from Meeting Minutes)

13.3. Planting of Native Maple Trees in Collingwood, Councillor Baines (notice provided on
April 17, 2023)
Moved by Councillor Baines, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Fryer

WHEREAS the Native Canadian maple tree is iconic to Canada and our arboreal
emblem and is an integral part of our history;

AND WHEREAS since 1968 the maple leaf has been the symbol of Canada as part of
our national flag and has been prominent in Canada’s history for a long time;

AND WHEREAS Canada’s Native Maple tress provide glorious fall colours which are
the envy of many and are sought after by fall-colour bus and train tours operators and
others who appreciate the fall colours;

AND WHEREAS the Tree Canopy Health and Augmentation Project Update report to
council in April 2023 wants to ensure the “right tree in the right place”;

AND WHEREAS Maple Leaves Forever is a nationally registered Canadian charitable
foundation that advocates and supports the planting of Native Canadian maple trees
and works with many organizations across Canada to cultivate, grow and plant native
maple trees in Canada;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council recognize the importance of our
Native Maple tree and commit to always plant Native Maple trees whenever a maple is
suitedfor in any municipal planting projects.

CARRIED.