There have long been efforts to replant trees when storms or pests damage them, but in Orillia, there’s a campaign to make sure a very specific kind of tree is used as a replacement.
Donations of non-perishable foods are always welcome at the Sharing Place Food Bank in Orillia. Shawna Ballik is the operations manager and says cash donations are also needed to help pay bills and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables
“Our budget for food is about $7,500 per month, the bulk of that is spent on fresh produce,” says Ballik.
Last month the food bank spent more than $300 on apples alone, money it wouldn't have to spend if more apples could be grown in the community. So, the food bank is urging the city to consider planting some fruit trees, as it prepares to replace some that were knocked down by severe weather last summer.
More than 80 trees were broken and uprooted in Couchiching Beach Park and Tudhope Park when a tornado swept through Orillia last September. Some of the oaks and maples were more than 100-years-old. The city has budgeted $35,000 to plant new trees this spring.
The manger of park planning, John Bryant, says fruit trees were not being considered until city council received a letter from the food bank that suggested adding apples, pears and cherry trees to the public landscapes.
“The fruit trees will have to be investigated by staff; we have to make sure we plant the trees on the right location because the trees are there a long, long time,” says Bryant.
Back at the food bank, Ballik is happy the discussion is getting started. She says anything that contributes to a sustainable local food system is a step in the right direction.
“Whether the apples come to us or not, they are still going into the community. It may or may not be our clients, but it will be residents that benefit from it and that is kind of our main focus here.”
The parks department is preparing a report on its plans to plant trees to city council in about two weeks, so a decision can be made in time for this year’s planting season.
