Ontario Commemorating the Sacrifice of Canadian Service Members

Province supports tree planting along Highway of Heroes to honour fallen soldiers

News.ontario.ca
July 31, 2020

The Ontario government is honouring members of the Canadian Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country by providing $1 million to plant additional trees along the Highway of Heroes. Funding in support of this living tribute was announced today by Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation.

"This project commemorates the bravery, commitment and sacrifice of all the Canadian military personnel who lost their lives serving their country," said Minister Mulroney. "Each tree planted along the Highway of Heroes will not only benefit the environment, but will be a growing reminder that will inspire people for generations to come."

In partnership with the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, the province is providing the funding to support the goal of planting 117,000 trees along the highway, which represents one tree for every soldier who died serving Canada since Confederation.

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 Armed Forces members who died in service to their country. Over 52,000 trees have been planted under this initiative since planting began in 2016.

“We're incredibly thankful for our partners at the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Without them, making this dream a reality would never be possible. This funding commitment from MTO has us so close to accomplishing our goal of raising $10 million that we can now focus on completing our living tribute in the next 2 years. Our sincerest thanks to Minister Mulroney and Premier Ford for believing in our mission.”
-Mark Cullen, campaign Chair & Co-Founder, Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign