The Community Trees in Trust Program supports community-led tree planting events to increase canopy cover and improve tree equity within the City of Kingston.

Applications for the Community Trees in Trust Program closed on Friday, June 23.

Achieving tree equity

To achieve tree equity, planting events in the areas identified in red on the below map will be considered. These areas have a combination of low tree equity and a high percentage of low-income properties.

Priority will be given to applications for areas in the City which:

• Occur within red zones as identified on the below map
• Involve planting on a large number of properties
• Help to develop community stewardship to ensure the ongoing survival of the trees
• Have a positive effect on the community

The program provides the following to promote the long-term health of newly planted trees and shrubs:

• Native trees and shrubs (where approved) at no cost
• Education, training, and technical support for planting and caring for new trees/shrubs
• Mulch and topsoil as required
• Assistance with the development and production of program materials to distribute and promote the program to residents
• Assistance with delivery of trees to one given site
• Materials to support survivability during the one-year assessment

Who is eligible?

Those interested in participating in this program must be a community-based not-for-profit group or organization (incorporated or unincorporated) that is based in Kingston.

Applicants are required to have a minimum of one year of experience as a community-based not-for-profit group/organization and must be accountable to and representative of the community they serve. Groups/organizations must also be in good standing with the City of Kingston. 

Planning your planting

Community-based planting events should be planned to take place during September 2023 or 2024.

The planting event must take place within the City of Kingston boundaries. All trees and shrubs must be planted on privately owned land within the City. Trees and shrubs cannot be planted on City-owned or managed land, including in parks, ravines, natural areas, and along the road right of way.

Eligible groups and organizations must have the staff and/or volunteer capacity to plan, promote and deliver a planting event for each application.

Staff will deliver or provide a means of delivery for the trees/shrubs to one specified location on one selected day.

If requested, the City will determine the ability and need for mulch and/or soil to help facilitate the planting event. If materials are to be provided, they will be delivered to the same location that the trees are delivered to.

The tree species available will be the same as those in the Neighbourhood Tree Planting Program.

Approved Tree Planting Locations