Ontario Honouring Fallen Soldiers along Highway of Heroes
Partnership will see 117,000 new trees planted
Ontario is honouring fallen soldiers by planting trees along the Highway of Heroes.
In partnership with Forests Ontario and Highway of Heroes Tribute, one tree will be planted along Highway 401 between Trenton and Toronto for every soldier who has fallen serving Canada since Confederation, a total of 117,000 trees.
The project honours Canadian service members and will provide additional benefits by increasing greening, canopy cover, erosion control, wind breaks and pollinator species along portions of Highway 401. Planting is expected to begin in spring 2016 and take approximately five years to complete. To launch the project, a ceremonial tree will be planted outside the Coroner’s Office at Keele Street in Toronto – the end of the Highway of Heroes, and at CFB Trenton – the beginning of the journey.
Forsts Ontario will be responsible for the tree planting and associated costs and will maintain the planted sites.
Improving highways, roads and bridges across the province is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUOTES
“The benefits of this partnership are twofold. It allows us to honour the men and women who have given their lives in service of our country. At the same time it allows us to continue the greening of our highways for healthier communities and a lasting legacy for future generations.”
— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
“This partnership offers a unique opportunity to honour Canada’s fallen soldiers and build on the successful Greening of the Right of Way program on Ontario’s highways. Greener highways reduce carbon dioxide for a healthier environment.”
— Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
“Toronto welcomes the final stage of a fallen soldier’s journey. This tribute will remind those traveling the highway of the great appreciation and respect we owe those who fought and sacrificed for our country.”
— Monte Kwinter, MPP York Centre
“Trenton represents the starting point of the final journey of a fallen soldier. The Highway of Heroes grew out of the spontaneous tributes and signs of respect shown by local residents, and people all along the highway. The tree planting partnership is another excellent honour that we can bestow upon the fallen.”
— Lou Rinaldi, MPP Northumberland – Quinte West
“We are delighted to partner with the Ontario government on this meaningful, living tribute to veterans, and to those who have given their lives in service of Canada.”
— Mark Cullen, Chair, Highway of Heroes Tribute
QUICK FACTS
- Highway 401 between Glen Miller Road in Trenton and Keele Street in Toronto is recognized as the Highway of Heroes, representing the final journey of Canadian men and women who died in service to their country.
- The Highway of Heroes was dedicated on August 24, 2007.
- Ontario has 16,900 kilometres of provincial highway and 2,800 bridges.
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