To commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, over 150 Regal Celebration Maple trees will be planted throughout the province this year as part of the Lieutenant Governor’s Tree Project, a legacy initiative of Her Honour the Honourable Janice C. Filmon, lieutenant-governor of Manitoba.
“The enthusiasm and commitment of all those who have engaged in this initiative has been wonderful.” said Lt.-Gov. Filmon. “My vision was to have 150 trees planted this year and I am overwhelmed that to date, we have commitments for over 250 trees. It brings such joy to think that 150 years from now, Canadians young and old will sit in the shade of these glorious trees and together celebrate this great nation we call home.”
Designed to be a living tribute, something other than a traditional medal or gift, these trees are a sustainable way of recognizing award winners and volunteers who have made meaningful contributions to Manitoba.
Lt.-Gov. Filmon will continue to honour outstanding Manitobans with the planting of a tree and will endeavor to share these beautiful symbols of hope with many communities as possible throughout her time as lieutenant-governor.
Partially funded through a Canada 150 grant from the Government of Canada, and supported by the forestry departments of the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba, trees will beautify areas throughout the province including:
- The Veteran’s Memorial Green Space in Brandon,
- Vermillion Park in Dauphin,
- Gimli Park,
- Assiniboine Park,
- The Forks, and
- the University of Manitoba.
Ten trees will also be planted on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building honouring the youth recipients of the Imagine a Canada competition, which asked young people to share their thoughts on what the future of Canada would look like through the lens of reconciliation.
In anticipation of this year of celebration, last fall Lt.-Gov. Filmon gifted a tree to Rideau Hall on behalf of all Manitobans. When members of 17 Wing Winnipeg heard of her intention, they offered to transport it to Ottawa on board a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130 Hercules aircraft from 17 Wing’s 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, in conjunction with a preplanned training exercise. Earlier this month, members of the
vice-regal community, who were gathered in Ottawa for an annual conference, held a ceremony at the site of the tree which included a blessing for unity and understanding from Algonquin elder Claudette Commenda.
The Regal Celebration Maple was developed over 20 years by Jeffries Nurseries in Portage la Prairie. The tree combines the hardiness of western maples with the bright red fall colour of eastern maples. The leaf of the Regal Celebration is similar to that which graces the Canadian flag, so Manitobans and Canadians alike with proudly identify with its beauty and grace.
Additional information can be found at www.manitobalg.ca.