"We are very pleased to help the City of Ottawa through the Green Streets Canada program,” said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. “In particular, we are very pleased in the initiative shown by Trees Ontario in helping a total of eight communities in Ontario, including Ottawa, with their innovative, urban forest projects. Although Tree Canada has had a long association with the City of Ottawa, this award marks the first time that the amalgamated city has been successful in the competition. This week also marks our 15th anniversary and the planting of 75 million trees in Canada - two milestones made possible through the actions of partners like Trees Ontario and the City of Ottawa."

Funding from the grants will help community associations and the City plant approximately 1,400 trees over three sites.

In Cardinal Creek, the City has partnered with the local community to plant trees to improve slope stability, water quality and the overall aesthetic look of the recreational pathways.

The Monaghan Storm Water Pond will receive funds to naturalize its surroundings, producing a much greener landscape for the neighbouring community.

The intersection of Shea Road and Abbott Street will see trees planted to help define the realignment of a the recreational pathway. The trees will provide a natural barrier and will direct pedestrians and cyclist to a safer intersection crossing.

"Successful tree planting initiatives are achieved through partnerships,” said David Barkley, Forestry Services Program Manager for the City of Ottawa. “This funding from Tree Canada and Trees Ontario has allowed us to expand the scope of our local partnerships with Ottawa's school groups and community associations. The facilitation of these planting projects instill a pride of ownership which not only involves local residents in the planting, but also the after care of the trees."

“We are very pleased to support the City of Ottawa in this important urban forest project," said Michael Scott, President and CEO of Trees Ontario. "This is a vital part of the work we are doing with tree planting partners across Ontario, to rebuild tree planting capacity, and replace aging forests. This past spring, more than 3 million trees were planted across Ontario by our partners, and we are working hard with them to increase this number significantly over the next several years."

Green Streets Canada is the flagship program of Tree Canada and is the country's only national urbanforest innovation initiative. It rewards municipalities that have gone beyond the call of duty and have recognized the importance of ensuring the survival of trees in their urban communities. This year, $189,000 in funding will go to 16 municipalities to help support their urban forest programs.

For more information Please visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1.

Media contact: 613-580-2450