Our Commemorative Tree and Bench Program invites the public to pay tribute to a loved one by purchasing a bench or tree for installation in a public park or open space.

Getting involved in our commemorative program helps beautify our public spaces and provides a unique opportunity to commemorate our City's residents.

Application

Submit your Commemorative Program application online, or view the print version of the application form.

Fees

Tree $700
Bench $2,200
Commemorative Plaque The City provides an attractive plaque for mounting at no extra cost, with wording provided by the contributor. A limit of 75 characters applies.

Payment Options

Payment options include Cash, Cheques, MasterCard, Visa, Interac. Please visit us in person, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, mail in a cheque, made payable to the City of Pickering, or purchase through our eStore. Please ensure your application has been approved before submitting payment, as eStore purchases are non-refundable.  

City of Pickering
Pickering City Hall
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON L1V 6K7

Location

Staff will work with the contributor to find a desirable and suitable location. The City does not maintain a list of available locations as factors like current and future development, underground utilities, and other site restrictions are subject to change and will be taken into consideration during the site selection process.

Please note that the final site location will be subject to City approval.

Program Details

Please note that the City does not permit ashes or memorial items to be placed on or around the commemorative tree or bench.   

Commemorative Tree

Species
Most hardy and disease resistant species can be incorporated into our public spaces. Our staff will review a list of suitable species with the contributor.

Planting and Maintenance

Staff plant in the spring and fall seasons. The application deadline for spring is April 10, and fall is October 10.

Trees will be replaced by the City if needed, at no charge to the contributor, within two years of the original planting date.

Replacements required after two years will be at the discretion of the City. Staff will maintain the tree for the duration of its lifecycle as part of the City's regular tree maintenance program. The City reserves the right to plant an alternate species and size of tree at the discretion of the Coordinator, Forestry Management.

Commemorative Bench

Design & Installation

We use a custom white, 6-foot, powder-coated metal bench specifically for this program.

It takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks to manufacture and deliver the bench. Bench installations are typically completed in the spring, summer, and fall.

Maintenance
Benches will be replaced by the City if needed, at no charge to the contributor, within two years of the original installation date. Replacements required after two years will be at the discretion of the City.