Tree planting

The Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) – Tree Planting initiative, funded by the Government of Canada and administered by the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), supports tree-planting projects that enhance climate resilience, increase biodiversity, and improve urban and community environments. The program aims to plant at least 1.2 million trees by March 31, 2031.

Green Municipal Fund (GMF)

Overview of the Tree planting program:

GCCC provides funding for tree-planting initiatives across Canada, focusing on urban and community-wide plantings, forest restoration, and other local projects that enhance ecological health. Projects must contribute to incremental tree planting beyond current municipal efforts and prioritize diverse benefits, such as carbon sequestration, habitat restoration, and urban cooling. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profits, Indigenous organizations, and private-sector partners, provided the project is led or supported by a municipal entity. Tree planting must align with environmental goals and contribute to long-term resilience against climate risks. The program encourages collaboration with Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, accessible, and sustainable community engagement practices. Applicants are evaluated based on project innovation, biodiversity impact, and community benefits.

Benefits of the Tree planting program:

Financial support for tree planting to mitigate climate risks, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon.
Creation of healthier, greener urban spaces with increased canopy cover.
Opportunities to engage and collaborate with Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups.
Long-term improvements in ecosystem resilience, water retention, and soil health.

Eligibility criteria of the Tree planting program:

Eligible applicants include:
Municipal governments or municipally owned corporations.
Indigenous communities or organizations.
Non-profit organizations or private sector entities in partnership with municipalities.
Projects must:
Be incremental (beyond regular municipal planting efforts).
Focus on permanent tree planting in ecologically appropriate locations.
Avoid invasive species and maintain tree health
Include a long-term maintenance plan.
Ineligible projects include those fulfilling legal requirements, such as reforestation mandated by environmental regulations.