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Owen Sound
Tree Cities of the World

From City of Owen Sound Website April 7, 2022

Owen Sound is recognized as a Tree City of the World, one of only 15 in Canada

The Arbor Day Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has recognized Owen Sound as a Tree City of the World.

The City of Owen Sound has achieved this status in recognition of its dedication to growing and maintaining the best urban forestry practices. 

The purpose of this program is to promote the benefits of trees in the urban built environment, provide direction and assistance for developing urban forestry and tree planting programs, and offers certification and international recognition for sustainable urban forestry practices.

To be certified, the City has met the program’s five core standards:

  • Establish Responsibility

  • Set the Rules

  • Know What You Have

  • Allocate Resources

  • Celebrate Achievements

Sustainability is a core value of the City’s Strategic Plan, with environment

as a key pillar with the goal of protecting, preserving, maintaining, and

enhancing Owen Sound’s natural heritage.

In 2021, seven Ontario Cities were successful in obtaining a Tree City of the World certification, including Cambridge, Guelph, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Thunder Bay, Toronto, and York Region.

For more information on this certification and the City’s Forestry Management Program, visit www.owensound.ca/parks.

For more information, please contact Adam Parsons, Manager of Parks and Open Space at 519-376-4440 ext. 1221 or email to aparsons@owensound.ca.

Did You Know? In Owen Sound, You can request a tree be planted in front of your property, free!

OS Boulevard Tree Planting Program

Residents of Owen Sound can request a tree be planted in the boulevard in front of their property, at no cost. All requests are filled subject to species availability and suitability to the site. The City reserves the right to reject any requests if the tree location is unsuitable for any reason. One request per property each year will be considered.

If you would like to submit a request, please complete the Boulevard Tree Planting Request Form.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Parks & Cemetery Administrative Coordinator at 519-376-3203. 

And Matching Grants for

Non-residential Properties

Landscaping and Property Improvement Grant Program

Property owners and authorized tenants of existing commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and multi-unit residential properties can apply to the city of Owen Sound for matching grants through the Landscaping and Property Improvement Grant Program.  Although the program is limited to parts of Owen Sound, it does cover much of the city .   The River District, East Harbour Area, West Harbour Area, Gateway 1* and Gateway 2**  are considered priority areas and are eligible for enhanced incentives of up to $10,000.   Non-priority areas are eligible for grants up to $5000.    Eligible projects include professional landscaping, low impact development, tree planting,  improvements to & beautification of driveways, parking areas, and pedestrian pathways, permanent outdoor furniture, patios,  fencing, and plans & studies.

*Gateway 1 = 9th Avenue East from Superior Street to 16th Street East   **Gateway 2 = – 10th Street West from 1st Avenue West to 9th Avenue West

Report a Tree

What Nearby Communities are Doing

What Other Tree Cities are Doing

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