The Oshawa urban forest is receiving $560,860 in federal support for two projects adding trees to parks and greenspaces, including neighbourhoods affected by canopy loss.
The city announced the funding on October 20 through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative. One project covers 1,600 trees across Oshawa; the other brought 40 large-caliper trees to Rotary Park.
Two grants support different planting projects
A $342,360 grant supports the larger planting program. The city says 600 large-caliper trees were planted in fall 2025, with another 1,000 tree plantings taking place this year. Priority locations include areas affected by Emerald Ash Borer and recent losses of tree cover.
The Rotary Park work received a separate $218,500 grant. Together, those two contributions account for the $560,860 announced by the municipality. The 40 trees at Rotary Park are separate from the 1,600-tree project.
Red Oak and Kentucky Coffeetree are among the species selected. According to the city, the choices were made to support biodiversity and help the plantings withstand changing climate conditions.
Canopy benefits extend beyond shade
Oshawa says the projects are intended to improve air quality, create habitat for birds and pollinators and strengthen the long-term health of its urban forest. The municipality also identifies tree equity as a goal: improving access to the environmental, health and social benefits of trees across neighbourhoods.
The announcement describes work already completed as well as planting scheduled for this year. It does not mean all of the announced trees are newly planted on the release date, nor does it identify an individual planting date for each park.
Mayor Dan Carter welcomed the investment as support for healthier green spaces. FCM president Tim Tierney and federal Secretary of State for Nature Nathalie Provost also highlighted the role of municipal tree planting in creating more resilient communities.
Part of a national canopy initiative
Growing Canada’s Community Canopies was announced in May 2024 and aims to support at least 1.2 million new trees across Canada by the end of March 2031. The program combines funding with resources and coaching for participating communities.
The federal government funds the initiative, FCM delivers it through the Green Municipal Fund, and Tree Canada supports capacity building. Residents looking for local information about the Oshawa urban forest can consult the city’s trees and tree-canopy resources.
