To further facility the recovery of our community from the 2017 wildfire, Tree Canada has announced a grant program that will see more trees being planted in the community.
“We’re dedicated to returning this community to its former beauty and would like to thank our corporate partners and individual Canadians for making this all possible,” said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. “It is my sincere hope that this initiative will help to bring back and revitalize cherished urban green spaces in the community.”
Through Tree Canada’s Operation ReLeaf FortMcMurray residents are eligible for a grant of up to $300 to plant trees on private property either damaged in the wildfire or next to greenspace where firebreaks were created or hazardous trees were removed.
Community groups are eligible for a grant of up to $5,000 to plant trees on private property or to purchase trees to give to residents affected by the wildfire.
No trees may be planted on Municipal property under any circumstance except for municipally-sanctioned community planting days at designated areas.
The grant program is offered in partnership with FireSmart Canada to ensure all trees planted through the program meet FireSmart guidelines.
“Our region extends a sincere thank you to these important partners for stepping up to help our residents replant trees on their properties,” said Jody Butz, Fire Chief, Regional Emergency Services. “It is more important than ever that we work together to incorporate FireSmart guidelines at home and throughout the region as we move toward becoming an even more resilient community.”
Residents are encouraged to download the RMWB Guide to FireSmart Landscaping to learn more about the types of trees they should consider planting and where on their property these trees should be planted.
More information on the grant and FireSmart can be found on the municipalities website.
Broader community-level planting is planned for the spring of 2018 and will involve renewed volunteer opportunities.
