NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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With the dedication of three more Majestic Maples this week, the City of Orillia’s Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) is raising awareness about the importance of trees to the environment and the beautification of the city.
“EAC is taking steps to create viable programs for educating and promoting a variety of matters related to Orillia’s beautiful tree canopy,” said Michael Williams, Chair of EAC. “We are committed to the city’s environmental well-being for the long term.”
The three Majestic Maples, originally planted in 2017 in honour of the City’s sesquicentennial and National Tree Day, are located in Hillcrest Park, Homewood Park, and at the West Orillia Sports Complex. Each tree is now marked with a beautiful granite boulder and commemorative plaque.
The dedication of the Majestic Maples is one of three tree projects spearheaded by EAC. The other two projects are the Treebates Program and the new Honour Roll of Trees.
The Treebates Program allows property owners in Orillia to apply for one of 150 rebates of up to $50 each for planting an eligible tree or shrub by Sept. 30, 2018.
Applicants who provide proof of purchase for a tree or shrub planted on their City of Orillia property will have that planting verified and photographed by an EAC member prior to receiving the rebate. The eligible species of trees are the sugar maple or white pine, and eligible shrubs include the serviceberry or viburnum varieties.
EAC members have also started a video series titled the “Honour Roll of Trees” on the City’s YouTube channel. These short videos highlight local trees with historical, cultural or environmental interests in mind. Visit youtube.com/TheCityofOrillia to view the series. Residents who know of a significant tree and would like to tell its story are invited to reach out to the committee and have it added to the Honour Roll of Trees.
Additional information regarding EAC’s tree programs can be found at orillia.ca/eac or by contacting Robin Cadeau, Assistant Clerk/Committee Coordinator at [email protected].
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