CBS gets $25k grant to green the town

The Town of Conception Bay South has received a $25,000 grant from TD Bank and the Arbor Day Foundation to support “innovative urban greening” and tree planting projects.

The Town plans to use the grant to launch a community urban forest expansion program, and to install an educational rain garden at Manuels River, in partnership with the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland & Labrador, the Manuels River Foundation, and the CBS Community Garden. The urban forest expansion program will see over 200 trees provided to residents for planting in residential and community spaces. Conception Bay South is one of 20 U.S. and Canadian cities selected to receive a grant.

“Green spaces play a critical role in creating more vibrant and livable cities,” said Andrea Barrack of TD Bank. “Not only do they provide environmental benefits, but they also provide social, health and economic benefits to cities and the people within them. We are proud to work with the Arbor Day Foundation to support innovative community programs in cities including the Town of Conception Bay South, that are striving to create a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.”

Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, said green spaces help residents enrich their lives.

“We are supporting Conception Bay South in its effort to build awareness about the benefits of trees, educate residents on proper tree care, and lay the groundwork for a greener future,” he said.

Mayor Terry French welcomed the money.

“Conception Bay South is ideally located just steps away from nature, and opportunities such as the TD Green Space Grant, help us work towards preserving our green spaces for years to come,” said French. “Projects such as those included in this program align with the objectives of our Climate Change Adaptation Plan, and further our continued efforts to help limit the effects of climate change. We are very excited to see residents, and community groups, get involved with our planned projects, including the rain garden and urban forest expansion.”

TD provides funding for the grants, which are awarded annually for tree planting, maintenance costs and educational activities. The program is administered by the Arbor Day Foundation. To be eligible for a grant, qualified municipalities must be located within TD’s operating footprint in the United States and Canada. In addition to the Town of Conception Bay South, other grant recipients this year include Burlington, Vermont; East Providence, Rhode Island; Greenville, South Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut; Jacksonville, Florida; Newburgh, New York; New Castle, Delaware; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Queens, New York; Milton, Mississauga, and Toronto, Ontario; Montreal, Quebec; Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia; New Westminster, British Columbia; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Surrey, British Columbia