Lac-Mégantic's downtown regrows one tree at a time

Tree Canada and CN help revitalize downtown core by planting 34 large trees

LAC-MÉGANTIC, QC, Nov. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Tree Canada, the nation's leader in tree-related programs and resources, today is participating in an official ceremony for Lac-Mégantic's downtown public reopening. The organization, jointly with its partner CN, has contributed to the community's rebuilding efforts by helping regreen its downtown core.

"Tree Canada was profoundly moved by the events that shook the town three years ago, and we wanted to do everything we could to help," said Michael Rosen, President, Tree Canada. "Our organization's objective is to contribute to the greening of urban and rural spaces, so we are incredibly glad that we could help provide Lac-Mégantic's citizens with a new green and healthy downtown."

Tree Canada has planted 34 large street trees in Lac-Mégantic's downtown. Citizens will enjoy 18 acer rubrum (red maples), 14 tilia cordata (lindens), two malus centurion (crabapple), along with two planting beds with shrubs and plants.

"Planting trees is a symbolic act, carrying a strong message in favour of the environment and is in line with the eco-friendly vision we put forward at Lac-Mégantic. We plant trees in our city to celebrate the life that goes on following challenges. We plant trees for the energy they provide. This major donation gives us hope for the future" said Mr. Jean-Guy Cloutier, Mayor of Lac-Mégantic.

"The tragedy that happened in Lac-Mégantic has stunned the whole country and CN has decided to do its part to help," said Sean Finn, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer, CN. "Since that time, we helped through various initiatives to rebuild the downtown and by donating to Lac-Mégantic. We are very proud to support this tree planting initiative. It's a step in the right direction to contribute in a positive, sustainable and green way for the new downtown."

National reforestation efforts
At the core of its mission, Tree Canada contributes to the greening of urban spaces across the country. Right now, Operation ReLeaf – Fort McMurray aims at rejuvenating the region's canopy that was destroyed by the violent fires of spring 2016. Canadians can contribute to help Fort McMurray citizens and community by visiting the program's website to make a donation.

About Tree Canada
Tree Canada is a not-for-profit charitable organization established to encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural environments.  Tree Canada engages Canadian companies, government agencies and individuals to support the planting of trees, the greening of schoolyards, and other efforts to sensitize Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. Since 1992, more than 80 million trees have been planted, over 580 schoolyards have been greened, and Tree Canada has helped organize twelve national urban forest conferences. The next Canadian Urban Forest Conference will take place in Vancouver, BC in 2018.

More information about Tree Canada is available at www.treecanada.ca.

SOURCE Tree Canada

Alexandre Lainesse, High Road on behalf of Tree Canada, 514-798-6140, [email protected]; Richard Walker, Tree Canada, 613 567 5545 ext. 224, [email protected]