Over two million trees planted along Highway of Heroes in eight-year-long tribute to veterans
More than two million trees have been planted along Highway 401 – also known as the Highway of Heroes – in the last eight years to commemorate all who served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
The trees were planted through the Trees for Life Highway of Heroes Tree campaign, which started in 2015. Through it, one tree has been planted for every Canadian who served in the armed forces since Confederation in 1867.
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, on behalf of Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, celebrated the last tree planted Wednesday at the Historic Fort York in Toronto.
"Along the Highway of Heroes, trees have been planted to symbolize the sacrifices of those who served in Canada's armed forces. This eight-year-long tree-planting campaign with was completed today in Ontario,” Wilkinson said in a press release.
“This important undertaking also leaves our communities with shade and clean air for generations to come. I would like to congratulate all of those involved."
Natural Resources Canada donated $2.4 million to Trees for Life through 2 Billion Trees, a nationwide program geared toward new tree planting projects.
“Until recently I could not allow myself to imagine that this day would come, when we would plant the last tree as part of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign,” co-founder of the campaign, Mark Cullen, said.
“Now, the highway corridor is reforested with a tree for every hero lost at war while volunteering for military service and for all those that have served.”
Highway of Heroes earned its name after transporting fallen soldiers on a 170-km funeral convoy from CFB Trenton to the coroner's office inToronto.
The milestone comes just over a week before Remembrance Day, when the country reflects on the sacrifices of Canada’s veterans.
Correction
An earlier version of this article said Natural Resources Minister attended a ceremony at the Historic Fort York in Toronto, which wasn't the case. This article has been updated to reflect that.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.