Commemorative Tree and Bench Program
Pay tribute to a loved one or special occasion by purchasing a commemorative tree or bench.
The City of Markham is pleased to offer the Commemorative Tree and Bench Program to give residents the opportunity to have a tree or bench in one of Markham’s parks or open spaces in order to celebrate the life of a loved one or mark any of life’s special occasions.
Your tree will serve as a living legacy that will enhance the park’s beauty, provide many beneficial ecological services over the course of its lifetime and help us as we strive to achieve our tree canopy goal of 30 per cent, one tree at a time.
Your bench will become a place to rest, to enjoy peaceful conversation with friends or family, to appreciate the beauty of Markham’s parks and open spaces, and to benefit the entire community.
- Commemorative Tree Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Plant a Commemorative Tree?
The cost of planting a commemorative tree is: $442.48 + HST (13%) $57.52 = $500.00. This cost includes:
- Selection and supply of a healthy tree best suited for the location
- Delivery to the selected location
- Planting to City standards, support stakes (if required) and mulch
Three-year plant health aftercare program to support the proper establishment and long-term health of your tree
Can a Plaque Be Installed Beside My Tree?
Commemorative plaques are not available for the program. Instead, the tree species, year of planting and name of the person or event being celebrated, will be uploaded to a permanent interactive map on a dedicated page on the City website.
How Do I Select a Location for Planting the Tree?
Operations Parks, Forestry and Horticulture staff will help you to find a good location in a City park and will share a list of tree species for you to choose from. Tree species offered will be based on the conditions specific to the park site such as soil, light, drainage, etc.
When Would My Tree be Planted?
Applications received by March 1, will be scheduled for spring planting. Applications received by August 1, will be scheduled for fall planting, pending species selection.
What Happens If My Tree Dies?
Commemorative trees will be replaced, without cost, within five years of the planting date. Replacement planting after this time, must be approved by the Operations Senior Manager of Parks, Horticulture and Forestry Division or his/her designate.
I am Interested in this Program and Would Like to Learn More. Who Should I Contact?
If you are interested in the program and would like more information, reach out to the City’s Contact Centre 905.477.5530 or customerservice@markham.ca.
What Happens Next?
The Contact Centre will issue a work order to the Operations Department – Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Division to arrange a staff member to contact you to discuss the program and answer any questions you may have.
- Commemorative Bench Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Commemorative Bench Cost?
The cost of a commemorative bench is $2,640.00 + HST (13%) $343,20 = $2,983.20. This cost includes:
- One municipal quality, steel, powder coated bench
- One precast concrete bench pad
- One commemorative plaque (to be affixed to bench)
Delivery to site, installation of the concrete pad, bench and plaque
What is the Application Process?
If you are interested in purchasing a commemorative bench, once you contact the City of Markham, Operations Parks, Forestry and Horticulture staff will work with you to determine a suitable park or open space location for the bench.
Operations Parks, Forestry and Horticulture staff will attempt to accommodate the preferred park and installation location for the bench, however some park locations may have reached full capacity and a new location will need to be selected.
Once a park and location is approved, the applicant must complete and submit an application form and payment for the bench.
A bench and plaque will be ordered and will be installed at the agreed upon park location within two to six months of the application submission. This is dependent on any unforeseen circumstances such as site conditions due to weather, bench supply from the manufacturer, or construction work preventing site access in the park, which may impact the installation date.
How Can I Apply?
If you are interested in the program and would like more information, reach out to the City’s Contact Centre 905.477.5530 or customerservice@markham.ca.
What are the Terms and Conditions?
Ownership
Benches installed under the Commemorative Bench Program will remain the property of the City of Markham and cannot be removed once installed.
Maintenance and Repair
The City will maintain and perform any necessary repairs on the bench for a maximum of 10 years.
Replacement
Starting from the date of installation for a 10-year period, the City will provide one replacement bench for any bench that has been damaged for any reason, beyond the point of repair, at no additional cost to the applicant.
The City will cover the cost of one replacement plaque over the 10 year period from the date of installation.
Agreement Term
Ten years after the date of installation, the applicant may contact the City if they wish to extend the terms of agreement for an additional 10-year period, pending the assessment of the bench condition.