Brandon’s Newest Natural Oasis Celebrated With Ceremonial Tree Planting


May 24, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brandon, MB – A ceremonial-tree planting hosted by the City of Brandon today has marked the birth of a new natural oasis in an area of the Assiniboine River corridor deeply impacted by previous years’ flooding.

As one of 50 Canadian communities to receive a $25,000 grant through Canadian National Railway’s   EcoConnexions – From the Ground Up 2017 grant program, the City of Brandon has worked to create a natural oasis of trees and shrubs at the site of the recently-constructed storm retention pond along Kirkcaldy Drive near the Riverbank Discovery Centre. The oasis project was also funded in part by the Government of Canada and has been recognized as an official Canada 150 Legacy Project. A ceremonial tree-planting held today at the site of the new oasis area recognized all those involved in making the project possible.

“On behalf of Brandon City Council and the entire community, I wish to offer sincere thanks to Canadian National Railway and the Government of Canada for their funding contribution, and also thank you to our program partner, Tree Canada,” stated Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest. “With this new area of tree and shrub growth established, we have begun the process of re-establishing the tree canopy cover lost during the floods of 2011 and 2014.  Not only will this newly-established area grow into a gateway to the Riverbank Discovery Centre, but it can serve as a showcase piece for educational purposes and also be a lasting tribute to our nation’s 150th birthday.”

A total of 50 trees have been planted at the retention pond site, with 50 others to be used in beautification efforts in the City of Brandon’s downtown. A recognition tree and plaque will also be placed at the oasis site to officially recognize the project’s funding partners.

“We are proud to be part of a program that helps make communities across Canada better places to live, work and play,” said Luc Jobin, President and Chief Executive Officer of CN. “In hundreds of Canadian communities, the railway has been a part of life for generations. We honour that history, and we proudly look toward our shared future with these Canada 150 celebrations.”

"Planting trees in our communities isn't just an excellent way of celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary," said Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada. "It's also a great way of making a positive, meaningful contribution to the future beauty and health of our communities that will endure for generations to come."

“The environment is one of the major themes at the heart of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Confederation, which is why the Government of Canada is pleased to support Tree Canada,” added the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “The Canada 150 project, ‘Tree to Our Nature’, will not only leave a lasting legacy for future generations, but also allow Canadians to get closer to nature and increase their environmental awareness. As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I would like to acknowledge everyone taking part in this inspiring and unifying project. I applaud your efforts to help build healthy, sustainable communities.”

VERSION FRANÇAISE


Brandon-TreeCanadaEventPressRelease-French.pdf (400.0 KB)