Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the York Regional Forest ahead of National Forest Week

It’s a birthday that comes once every hundred years! The Regional Municipality of York marked the York Regional Forest’s 100th Anniversary celebration with a ceremonial tree planting and forest walk.

On Friday, September 20, members of York Regional Council, including Wayne Emmerson, York Region Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Iain Lovatt, Mayor, Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, attended Hollidge Tract of the York Regional Forest to commemorate this centennial anniversary and explore the great outdoors.

The Honourable Caroline Mulroney, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Francophone Affairs and MPP for York-Simcoe, as well as Donna Big Canoe, Chief, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, gathered with members of York Regional Council to mark this incredible milestone and shared commitment to the environmental sustainability of our forested lands.

The ceremony included planting three trees – a sugar maple, white pine and white birch – on behalf of York Region, the Province of Ontario and the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, respectively. These trees symbolize growth and longevity of the forest and its importance to our communities. The event opened with smudging, a drum song, Indigenous prayer and tobacco offering, led by Lauri Hoeg, York Region Indigenous Relations Officer, and Elder Susan of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. In the context of tree planting,  offering tobacco acknowledges the land’s sacredness and life being planted.

It was a special start to a celebration of the past century as we also look ahead to the future of the York Regional Forest and the role it will continue to play in the lives of York Region residents and visitors.

Learn more about the York Regional Forest’s 100th Anniversary at york.ca/Forest100

Celebrate National Forest Week and the 100th Anniversary of the York Regional Forest

The festivities marking the 100th anniversary of York Regional Forest you know and love continue all year long! Join us on Saturday, September 28, 2024, for a memorable day as we celebrate National Forest Week! This special event is your chance to connect with nature, explore the Forest’s rich history and enjoy a day full of activities suitable for all ages.

Saturday, September 28, 2024 (all ages) 
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hollidge Tract
16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville

For more details on the event, including schedule and location, visit york.ca/ForestEvents