Oct 23rd, 2024
Media Release: New Tiny Forests Take Root in Ottawa Community Housing Neighbourhoods in Partnership with EnviroCentre and Forêt Capitale Forest
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EnviroCentre has partnered with Forêt Capitale Forest to install new tiny forests at two Ottawa Community Housing Neighbourhoods – Russell Manor and Strathcona Heights. The planting occurred at Russell Manor on Oct. 23 and Strathcona Heights on Oct. 25.
A tiny forest is a special type that makes a great addition to small urban spaces. It includes native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers planted closely together to encourage growth. The soil it grows in has been amended to mimic the mature forest floor that would have been found in the area long ago. Because of the amended soil and planting structure will take about 15-20 years to achieve what will look like a century-old grove.
At the launch/community planting day, OCH residents came together to plant the area, learn about the native species, and understand the benefits of planting a forest rather than simply stand-alone trees. Each community has been consulted about the types of plants they would like to have and their forest’s shape, size and location. They will see the area transform from the young plants they put in the ground to a small but mature forest area in the coming years.
OCH tiny forests are funded by the generous support of the Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation- Ottawa Community Foundation. Additional support for the forest at Russell Manor is provided by Canadian Trees for Life. Additional support for the forest at 204 Wiggins Priv. is provided by the Echo Foundation through the Green Communities Canada Living Cities Fund.
Who will benefit?
The two new communities where forests were planted on Oct. 23 and 25 are home to 1,335 residents – nearly half children and youth. Tiny forests are crucial to ensure green spaces for future generations as they replace tree cover lost in recent years – due to invasive species and storms.
Quick facts
- From 2023-2024, five tiny forests were planted at Lexington, Esson Place-Hunt Club, Cahill-Woodland Place, Russell Manor, and Strathcona Heights.
- A total of 2257 residents will benefit from the existing tiny forests.
Quotes
“To reduce our carbon footprint and discover innovative ways to make our communities greener and more engaging, we work with partners such as EnviroCentre and Forêt Capitale Forest. We are so pleased with this initiative – which started with the first tree in 2023 and then grew into treasured community spaces residents will enjoy for years to come.”
Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCH
“These forests are doing so much work for our communities. Not only do they make them more beautiful, but they also provide multiple nature-based services like absorbing water, increasing biodiversity, and enriching the soil. More trees means we have a fighting chance to limit climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They are indeed miracle workers.”
– Daniel Dicaire, Senior Manager of Conservation and Sustainability
“We’re proud to support these community-driven initiatives that enhance local biodiversity and bring residents together. These tiny forests provide long-term environmental benefits while also fostering a sense of community stewardship. By capturing carbon and improving air quality, they contribute to reducing local emissions, offering a tangible way for residents to play an active role in combating climate change through the simple act of planting and caring for trees.”
– Sharon Coward, Executive Director, EnviroCentre
About Ottawa Community Housing & ARRIV Properties
Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) offers approximately 15,000 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa’s primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city’s housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario. In 2024, OCH earned recognition for the seventh consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers. www.och-lco.ca | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
About EnviroCentre
EnviroCentre is an environmental not-for-profit organization located in Ottawa. For more than 20 years, we have been delivering programs and services designed to help individuals, businesses, and communities reduce their carbon emissions and lighten their impact on the environment. Our core focus areas include Green Homes, Green Transportation, Green Business, and Green Future. Our vision is that a sustainable, net-zero future is achieved in Ottawa, and we are taking action every day to support that goal.
About Forêt Capitale Forest
Forêt Capitale Forest (FCF) is an Ottawa-based non-profit on a mission to mitigate the effects of climate change and have a restorative effect on the environment by planting forests and raising awareness of the importance of trees and biodiversity. Through a grassroots collaboration with its growing team of community volunteers, FCF’s stewardship model prioritizes site maintenance and tree care to achieve high survival rates. FCF values community involvement to cultivate a legacy of stewardship, selecting biodiverse native forest species, and creating healthy forest soil to support growth and longevity. By implementing innovative forest practices like the Miyawaki Method in Tiny Forest plantings and maintenance, the organization collaboratively creates thriving ecosystems and community green spaces. With FCF’s experience in developing 9 Tiny Forests in Ottawa, each one is a testament to the local community’s vision and passion for climate action with long-term benefits.
About Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation
The Josette Robertson and Joan Johnston Family Foundation carries on a hundred-year tradition of philanthropy rooted in the vision of our much-loved ancestor, Senator Lawrence A Wilson. We are passionate about supporting research in regenerative medicine, about planting “Tiny Forests” in urban settings, and about supporting women entrepreneurs.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer McIntosh
Communications Specialist, OCH
613-914-9953