subject: vimy ridge commemorative tree planting...
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COUNCIL REPORT
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Meeting date: September 6, 2016
Submitted by: Andrew Meyer, Director, Community & Cultural Services
Approved by: Ralph Coe, Chief Administrative Officer
Department: Property Management
SUBJECT: VIMY RIDGE COMMEMORATIVE TREE PLANTING PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council receives the Vimy Ridge Commemorative Tree Planting project report for information, and further, that this matter be referred to the bylaw section of the meeting for approval. BACKGROUND In the fall of 2015, the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc was approached by Trees for 3 Dots Planting Inc. (T43D) with a proposal to develop a living memorial as a project of the Vimy Ridge Commemorative Tree Planting program (VRCTP). The program proposal involved the planting of 100 trees in Strathroy to mark the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 2017). CONSULTATION & FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Through consultation with senior administrative staff and the municipal Progress through Partnership
committee, it was decided that a budget request would be made in support of the project, and a
planting location was identified.
As part of the 2016 budget planning process, a provision of $8,500 (representing approximately one
third of the project cost) in capital funding was approved, with the balance of the project to be
supported through the fundraising efforts of the VRCTP. A Memorandum of Agreement has been
drafted for approval under the bylaw section of the meeting, to identify the commitments of both
parties with respect to this project.
The total cost of the 100 tree planting project on Adair Boulevard will be $25,000 ($250/tree), which
includes tree stock, planting costs, staking, mulching, and initial watering and fertilization, as well as
post-planting care and monitoring of the trees.
Trees for 3 Dots Planting Inc. is actively raising funds to meet its target for the project.
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PROJECT OUTLINE & PROGRESS The trees, consisting of a layout of 100 Regal Petticoat Maple, Red Maple, Sugar Maple and Silver
Maple trees representing the four divisions of the Canadian Corps that served in the First World War,
are to be planted in an honour guard formation on the east side of Adair Boulevard (see attached
planting plan).
They are to be positioned within the public boulevard between the shared high school facility and the
Gemini Sportsplex soccer field complex. An initial planting is scheduled for Saturday, October 1,
2016, in anticipation of a planned community memorial ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of
the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April of 2017.
SUMMARY The project provides an opportunity for the Municipality to meet its annual planting objectives related
to the street tree planting program, while including the municipality in a broader, national initiative to
commemorate the anniversary of one of the critical battles of World War One – a battle in which
Canadian soldiers played a crucial role.
ATTACHMENTS Vimy Ridge Commemorative Tree Planting Plan – Adair Boulevard, Strathroy
15
Regal Petticoat Maple
Ist Canadian Division 2nd Canadian Division 4th Canadian Division3rd Canadian DivisionCanadian Corps
15
Scale 15 = 5m
Sugar MaplePyramidal
Silver Maple
Red Maple
Silver Maple
Sugar Maple
Red Maple
Regal Petticoat Maple
Trees for 3 Dots Planting Inc.Community Tree Planting made Easy