The City's annual Tree Giveaway and Rain Barrel Sale is back this spring with online ordering and curbside pickup.
“Regardless of restrictions as a result of COVID-19, our residents can use a simple online form to order their tree and rain barrel and take advantage of our handy curbside pickup,” said Manager of Environmental Services Mark Green. “This is one of our most popular annual events and we want to encourage residents to continue their own environmental sustainability efforts.”
Unlike previous years, residents will not be able to show up on the day to pick out a tree or purchase a barrel at the Tree Giveaway and Rain barrel Sale event. All rain barrels must be pre-purchased and trees pre-selected. Online orders are now available until stocks run out and items must be collected on Saturday, June 5 at the Pen Centre parking lot.
“A healthy tree canopy reduces stormwater runoff, cleans the air, provides shade, and decrease heating and cooling costs,” said Development Horticultural Technician Ilyse Norton. “The City’s goal is to have a tree canopy of 30 per cent by 2030. In order to achieve this the City aims to plant at least 1,000 trees per year on City property and encourages residents to plant their own trees on private property throughout St. Catharines.
There will be four types of trees residents can pre-select online on a first-come, first-served basis: eastern white pine (pinus strobus), cherry birch (betula lenta), eastern redbud (cercis canadensis) and tulip tree (liriodendron tulipifera).
To receive a free tree, residents must agree to plant and maintain the tree on private property located in St. Catharines, ideally in their own yards. Trees cannot be planted on boulevards, along streets or in City parks. Proof of St. Catharines residency is required, such as a driver's licence, and each property address is limited to one tree.
The City also subsidizes the cost of rain barrels for residents during their annual Rain Barrel Sale, by offering them for $40 each at a maximum of two barrels per household.
Rain barrels help protect the environment by keeping rainwater out of the sewers thereby reducing water pollution. They also reduce the amount of bacteria, oils, grease and other pollutants getting into local waterways and reduce peak water demand. Rain barrels benefit residents by helping them save on water bills and, since rainwater doesn't contain minerals, chlorine and other chemicals, it helps plants to thrive.
Residents can order their free tree and purchase rain barrels now at www.engagestc.ca/TreeAndBarrel.
Once residents have ordered their tree or barrel online, they will be emailed further information including a location map of the pickup zone at the Pen Centre parking lot on Saturday, June 5, and a timeslot between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. for trees. Those purchasing a barrel will be able to collect it at any time between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day.
City staff will be following the advice of Public Health Officials and adhering to any government restrictions with regards to COVID-19 at the time of the giveaway. Residents are asked to stay in their vehicle for the Tree and Barrel curbside pickup.
Contact: