A photo of a commemorative tree

Honour loved ones or celebrate special occasions through a commemorative plaque and pedestal displayed near a newly planted tree in the City’s parks and open spaces.

About the Program

The Commemorative Tree program is a City initiative that offers citizens an opportunity to commemorate an individual or event through the installation of a park tree - a lasting legacy to be enjoyed by future generations. 

Through the Commemorative Tree program, the City offers a variety of trees for planting in spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) throughout public green spaces. Please review the Tree Species Selection for a full list of available tree options. Your donation of $1,800 includes a selected tree, an inscribed bronze plaque, granite pedestal and tree maintenance. Please note that if you would like to request a Commemorative Tree planted near a natural or naturalized area, a native tree species will be a requirement.

Throughout the process, you will work with an Urban Forester to facilitate the details of your donation, as well as complete an on-site visit to ensure that the selected tree is appropriate for the chosen location. Please note that the following locations are currently not available for Commemorative Tree plantings.

Permanently closed for the Commemorative Tree planting program:

  • Boyle Street Plaza
  • Constable Ezio Faraone Park
  • Dove of Peace
  • Hawrelak Park
  • ᐄᓃᐤ (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞ Indigenous Art Park
  • Rossdale Neighbourhood

Temporarily closed due to construction:

  • Balwin Park
  • Baturyn Park
  • Belvedere Park
  • Braids Park
  • Confederation Park
  • Coronation Park
  • Fulton Ravine South Park (Capilano Skatepark)
  • Glengarry Park
  • Inglewood Park
  • John A Norris Park and Winnifred Stewart Park.
  • Kenilworth Park
  • Kernohan Park (North Boundary)
  • Louise McKinney Park
  • Malcolm Tweddle Park
  • Muttart Grounds
  • Robert Brett Park
  • Rollie Miles Athletic Grounds
  • St. Faith Park (Alberta Avenue)
  • St. Jerome School (Rundle Heights)
  • W.C "Tubby" Bateman Park
  • Zoie Gardener Park

New pedestals and plaques will be displayed for a 10-year time period beginning from the date of installation. Prior to the end of this Commemoration Period, the Donor can submit a Renewal Application to request that the City continue to display the plaque under the Commemorative Tree Program for an additional fee and period of time. Please see Commemorative Tree Program Guidelines for a comprehensive outline of the program.

For more information on the Commemorative Tree program, please review the Frequently Asked Questions.

Donor Application Process

Before You Apply
  • Research program details on the Commemorative Tree website, including the Frequently Asked Questions and the Commemorative Tree Program Guidelines.
  • Consider a planting location or locations. Commemorative Trees are considered for planting in public green spaces, such as neighbourhood and City parks.
  • For questions, please contact the program coordinator by phoning 311 or by using the inquiry form below.
Application

To receive an application form, please complete the General Inquiries form below and select 'Request Application Form'.

When submitting the application request, please include which green spaces you are interested in planting so that the program coordinator can discuss the availability and suitability of the requested location(s).

If you need assistance completing the application form, please contact the program coordinator by phoning 311 or by using the General Inquiries form at the bottom of the page

Approval
  • The coordinator will schedule a site meeting with you if the park location is acceptable, and will discuss your three preferred locations within the park
    • New tree installations will require circulation and approval
    • Circulations with stakeholders may take up to six weeks
    • Once feedback is received from the circulation with stakeholders and approval is given, the program coordinator will move forward with the next steps and arrange for an underground utility check
  • At the same time, the program coordinator will work with you to develop a proof for your commemorative plaque
Confirmation
  • The program coordinator will send a confirmation email that the donor has been accepted into the program for the current year and to confirm the details of the inscription for the plaque and the billing information
  • Please respond to the confirmation email within 30 days of receipt and pay the invoice upon receipt
    • Once your payment has been received, the program coordinator will work with the donor to facilitate the Commemorative Tree request
Installation
  • Installations take place in spring (May-June) and fall (September-October)
  • Once the installation is complete, the program coordinator will email you an update with a photo of the completed installation
  • The 10-year Commemorative Period will begin upon installation