Celebrate a special occasion or honour a loved one with a unique gift that leaves a lasting impact on your community.
Our Parks and Greenways Donation Program offers two meaningful ways to enhance our beautiful parks and public spaces.
- Dedicate a bench: A restful place for reflection and connection with nature.
- Plant a tree: A living legacy that enriches the environment.
Your contribution helps create welcoming and vibrant public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Donation Process
Making a donation is easy! Follow these steps to create a lasting tribute in our parks and public spaces:
- Choose your donation type: Dedicate a bench or plant a tree.
- Select a location: Pick a meaningful spot within our parks and public spaces.
- Submit your application: Complete the form and make your payment.
Once your donation is processed, we will take care of the installation and maintenance, ensuring your donation remains a meaningful part of our community’s public spaces for years to come.
Items & Locations
Our Parks and Greenways Donation Program offers two meaningful ways to enhance our City's parks and public spaces: dedicating a new or existing park bench or planting a tree.
Benches
You may dedicate a new or existing bench for a 10-year term. Each bench dedication includes a powder-coated bronze plaque with up to three lines of text.
Existing Benches
Most existing benches in the City’s parks and greenways that do not already have a plaque are available for dedication.
New Benches
You may also suggest a new location for a donation bench. All new benches are six feet long and made from powder-coated steel (colour depends on location). Bench availability varies by location. We will work with you to select a bench that aligns with your preferences.
Trees
Tree donations are valid for the life of the tree, with a guaranteed maintenance period of 10 years. Each tree donation includes a certificate. Location and species availability may vary. We will work with you to choose a suitable tree species and location.
Fees
The price for donation items varies by donation type. Prices are subject to annual increases as part of the Fees and Charges Bylaw.
For 2026, donation prices are:
| Donation Item |
New Item |
Existing Item |
Renewal |
| Urban Park Bench (black steel) |
$ 6,505.65 |
$ 3,879.96 |
$ 3,879.96 |
| Parks & Greenways Bench (green steel) |
$ 6,368.35 |
$ 3,753.65 |
$ 3,753.65 |
| Victoria Park Bench (black steel) |
N/A |
$ 3,239.55 |
$ 3,239.55 |
| Civic Plaza Bench (wood) |
N/A |
$ 3,753.65 |
$ 3,753.65 |
| Tree |
$ 778.82 |
N/A |
N/A |
For more information on donation fees, please refer to the Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2024, No.9000.
Application & Processing
To donate to the Parks and Greenways Donation Program, please complete the following steps:
- Fill out an application form.
- For a bench: include your proposed plaque wording and preferred location.
- For a tree: include your preferred location.
- Consult the City’s interactive ParksMap to learn more about potential locations for your donation item.
- Submit your form for review.
Processing & Payment
Once we receive your application, we will review it and notify you of our decision. If your preferred site location is not available, we will work with you to find suitable alternatives.
Once your application is approved, full payment is required in person at City Hall or by mailed cheque. An income tax receipt will be issued if requested.
Installation Timeline
For benches, please allow up to six months for installation from the date of payment. Trees will be planted in late fall as part of our annual planting schedule. We will notify you once your donation has been installed.
Terms
The City reserves the right to determine the final placement for bench and tree donations, as well as plaque wording. For full details, please refer to the Parks Regulation Bylaw.
Bench Renewals
For bench donations, at the end of your 10-year donation term, you may request a renewal of your bench donation for another 10 years, pending availability. If you choose not to renew, the plaque will be returned to you, and the bench will be open for new dedications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Interested donors can apply to the program by submitting a completed application form to parkdonation@cnv.org.
Which locations accept donations?
The City accepts donations in all of it’s parks and public spaces, provided the location is available and suitable for the donation item. A donor may choose up to three (3) preferred locations for their donation item. City staff will work with donors to confirm a donation location, based on preferences and availability. Some donors find it helpful to consult the City’s ParkMap website when choosing a location.
What is the cost of the program?
Donation prices depend on the donation item and location. All prices are listed on the Program webpage, under the “Items & Locations” drop down menu.
When will my donation be installed?
Bench donations can take up to 6 months for final installation, from the date of payment. This includes order, manufacturing, delivery, and installation times for plaques and benches, and plant scheduling for tree donations. Trees will be planted in late fall as part of our annual planting schedule.
Can I donate an existing tree?
No, existing trees are not eligible for donation. All donation trees will be newly planted young trees, coming from a nursery.
Can I get a plaque for my tree donation?
No, tree donations do not include a plaque. We do however issue a donation certificate to all tree donors. The City previously issued plaque for tree donations, but has moved away from this practice – so you might still see some around the City.
What happens to my donation bench at the end of the 10-year donation term?
At the end of your 10-year donation term, you may request a renewal of your bench donation for another 10 years, pending availability. If you choose not to renew, the plaque will be returned to you, and the bench will be open for new dedications.
When will my tree be planted?
Trees will be planted in late fall as part of our annual planting schedule.