New sponsorship officially takes root to support City’s tree planting programs

Ottawa’s tree canopy got a fresh boost of support today as the City celebrated a new sponsorship with Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation (CFTC). Mayor Mark Sutcliffe proclaimed “Tree Canopy Day” at a special tree planting ceremony, with Councillor Marty Carr, Vice-Chair of the Climate Change and Environment Committee, and Gary Zed, CFTC Founder and CEO.

As part of the sponsorship, the City and CFTC are launching the campaign Let’s get growing! to rally businesses, leaders and residents to support the growth of Ottawa’s tree canopy, protecting our environment for future generations.

As an Ottawa-based social enterprise, CFTC and its retail brand Cool Climate Club offer turnkey nature-based climate solutions. Their proprietary technology creates Smart Forests™, combining comprehensive tree-planting programs with digital tools that track and measure environmental impact

They work with businesses to design customized programs that position them as leaders in climate action, and engage customers and employees in meaningful and measurable ways.  These solutions include:

• a corporate stewardship model where businesses make financial contributions
• employee engagement campaigns
• point of sale programs that invite customers to contribute at checkout

CFTC’s technology tracks the impact of each program through digital dashboards. Funds raised through Let’s get growing will directly support the City’s existing tree-planting programs and operations.

The City of Ottawa is leading the way as the first municipality in Canada to enter into an agreement with CFTC, as Canadians continue to see the growing role of businesses in supporting climate action.

This sponsorship further supports the City’s commitment towards climate change by maintaining and expanding its tree canopy, which contributes to cleaner air and water, manages floods, stores carbon, acts as a natural air conditioner, and serves as a refuge for birds and other small animals.

Learn more about the sponsorship and how to get involved at canadasforesttrust.ca/ottawa.

““Every tree we plant is an investment in Ottawa’s future. We’re grateful to Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation for taking practical steps  to support Ottawa’s tree canopy. This collaboration brings together residents, businesses, and local government around a shared goal, protecting our environment for generations to come."

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe 

 “We’re pleased to collaborate with the City of Ottawa on the Let’s get growing campaign. This initiative shows true leadership. It's bold, visionary and measurable, setting the standard for municipalities across the country. We also know that climate action takes both individual and collective action. Now we’re calling on all businesses to join us so that we can achieve the greatest impact today and for generations to come.”

Gary Zed, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation

With this news, Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation (CFTC) becomes the City’s newest Community Champion, joining a growing network of local businesses that support municipal programs and services through the Community Champions Program.