The Corporation of The City of London

May 14, 2012
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Million Tree Challenge – Ward Showdown
Councillors accept challenge to RePlant the Forest City
 

Six City Council members today squared off in a friendly competition to see which of their wards can plant the most trees on private property this spring and fall.

In support of the continuing Million Tree Challenge launched last year by ReForest London, Councillor Matt Brown volunteered Ward 7 to take on Councillor Joni Baechler and Ward 5; Councillor Bud Polhill volunteered Ward 1 to take on Councillor Sandy White and Ward 14; and Councillor Denise Brown volunteered Ward 11 to take on Councillor Nancy Branscombe and Ward 6.

The Ward Showdown is a light-hearted challenge, where the entire city “wins” by the fact that more trees will be planted in London’s neighbourhoods.

"I’m very pleased to see our Council members taking on this challenge”, says Mayor Joe Fontana. “This is a community builder that delivers a big environmental boost to each ward and our entire city. I’m looking forward to watching the numbers grow as Londoners plant more trees and in the end we all win.”

To gain credit for every tree planted, residents will need to register their planting at www.milliontrees.ca. Plantings which have already occurred this year will also count towards ward totals.

During the course of the 2012 planting seasons, ReForest London will be hosting a number of Community Tree Sales – making it even easier for Londoners to take part in the challenge. Tomorrow, ReForest London joins the Middlesex London Health Unit, hosting a Community Tree Sale at 50 King Street between 11:30 and 1:30 p.m.