November 17th, 2025

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a $176,000 grant from the Government of Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund. This funding will support an ambitious tree planting project across 12 of our schools.

“We are honoured to be awarded the Natural Infrastructure Fund grant from the Government of Canada to support this important initiative,” said Scott Miller, Director of Education for the WRDSB. “This funding will create lasting benefits for WRDSB students and school communities, providing more shade, cleaner air, and opportunities to connect with nature. We look forward to seeing how these trees will enhance our school grounds, and also enrich the learning experiences of WRDSB students for years to come.”

“Nature-filled outdoor spaces enrich play, learning and exploration,” said the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “By investing in this tree planting project for Waterloo Region, the federal government is growing strong communities where families can lay roots and young people can blossom. I hope these new trees will be a source of inspiration, shade and comfort for generations to come.”

“This tree planting initiative is a meaningful step toward strengthening our connection to nature and enhancing green spaces across Waterloo Region,” said Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga. “By engaging students directly in the process, we’re fostering environmental stewardship and creating lasting benefits for our communities. I’m pleased to see this collaboration between the federal government and the WRDSB supporting both education and sustainability.”

About the Project

The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada ($176,000) and represents a total investment of $220,000 in our school communities, with the WRDSB contributing the remaining $44,000 to support the project’s success.

This tree planting initiative will focus on giving students greater access to green spaces while strengthening climate resilience across the Waterloo Region. The project specifically focuses on schools in neighbourhoods with limited green space and lower canopy coverage, helping reduce environmental gaps in our communities.

Over the next several years, we will plant approximately 680 native trees, creating nearly 10 hectares of new green space. These trees will help:

  • Provide shaded playground areas to reduce sun exposure
  • Create more outdoor learning spaces and opportunities for students
  • Reduce potential flooding and storm impacts
  • Capture carbon and improve air quality in our school communities

Learning Opportunities

This initiative aligns with our commitment to environmental education and stewardship at all WRDSB schools. These additional trees will provide enhanced opportunities for students at participating schools to learn about:

  • Native tree species and local ecosystems
  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation
  • The role of urban forests in healthy communities

Schools Selected

The following schools have been selected based on their location in areas with the lowest canopy cover and greatest need for green space:

City of Cambridge:

  • Manchester Public School
  • Avenue Road Public School
  • Chalmers Street Public School
  • William G Davis Public School
  • Grand View Public School
  • Preston High School

City of Waterloo:

  • Winston Churchill Public School
  • Lincoln Heights Public School
  • Edna Staebler Public School

City of Kitchener:

  • Rockway Public School
  • Wilson Avenue Public School

Woolwich County:

  • Floradale Public School

Next Steps

The project will be implemented between April 2026 and November 2028, with careful planning to ensure minimal disruption to school operations. As we move forward, you will see project signage installed at each site recognizing the investment from the Government of Canada.

By combining hands-on learning with environmental stewardship, this project reflects WRDSB’s ongoing commitment to creating healthier, greener, and more sustainable school communities for generations to come.