On Saturday Oct 24, 25 residents and neighbours gathered on a beautiful autumn day to plant native trees and shrubs in Chris Gibson Park. Participants were joined by Councillors Rowena Santos who, along with CVC staff, welcomed all with opening remarks highlighting the importance of safe community connections during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Together, we planted 130 native trees, shrubs and wildflowers to naturalize a previously mowed area. The plants will help expand the natural buffer around Fletchers Creek to provide protection to the waterway and support aquatic life that depends on it. The trees will also grow to replace those lost in recent years due to the emerald ash borer (an invasive insect) and severe storms, while supporting City's One Million Trees Program.

The diverse mix of species included red oak, black cherry, nannyberry, serviceberry and foxglove Beardtongue. Together these species will support the growth of a strong and resilient urban forest and provide habitat and food for local birds and pollinators. 

Check out some of the photos from the event.

• Place rocks or a splash pad where your downspout releases water into your yard to reduce soil erosion
• Keep eavestroughs and downspouts clear of debris
• Empty rain barrels and direct your downspout into your landscape for the winter
• Consider creating a rain garden or soakaway for your yard

Glendale Rain Garden (located at Glendale Public School, 35 Sunset Blvd) is a large-scale rain garden established last year. It was designed and planted with over 2,000 native plants in partnership with school students, staff and community partners. 

Now that the garden is a year old, CVC staff provided important annual maintenance to the garden this past summer, including included pulling weeds (up to ten yard waste bags at a time!) to allow room for the native plants to grow.
 
Staff also added 279 new native plants to fill in any extra space and replace those plants that didn’t make it in the first year of establishment.  A variety of water-efficient native species were selected to help filter pollutants and provide food and habitat for local birds and pollinators.  

The rain garden is looking great with blooming plants such as black-eyed susan and purple aster. We are excited to have the students of Glendale P.S. use it as a new outdoor learning space and continue to build the community's appreciation of their local environment right in the Fletchers Creek SNAP neighbourhood. 

Invitation to join Northwood Park Neighbourhood WhatsApp group
On-going

David Bebiem and a group of local residents in the Northwood Park area of Brampton are coming together to form a neighbourhood association. If you live near Northwood Park and would like to join this initiative or connect with your neighbours, you are invited to join the newly formed WhatsApp group.

Ecosource hosts 'At the Table: Dhalia Palmer (aka The Hungry Gyal)'
Online Cooking Demo on Monday, November 23, 2020 from 5 to 6 p.m.

Joinh Dahlia Palmer, aka The Hungry Gyal, a serial entrepreneur from Mississauga that has been recognized internationally for her creativity and talent. She’ll be taking participants through a local recipe and cooking demo, and talking about her business and community work. Register to get Zoom link.

City of Brampton is seeking YOUR input for Community Youth Hubs
Various online workshop and survey in November

The City is beginning the process of planning for the creation of two Community Youth Hubs at Century Gardens Recreation Centre and South Fletcher's Sportsplex. These Youth Hubs will serve as youth-centric spaces that act as a one-stop shop for services and activities for youth ages 14 to 29. Input from youth is needed on how to design and program these spaces. Learn more. 

City of Brampton is seeking YOUR input for Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP)
Survey closes November 30, 2020

All trees on both public and private land in Brampton make up our city's urban forest. The UFMP is seeking your input related to trees, their benefits and related programs. There is also a contest to submit an original piece of artwork​​ for a chance to win a prize and be showcased in the UFMP. Learn more. 

Region of Peel shares tips for using less road salt this winter
On-going
The time of year is coming when salt is used to make winter driving and walking conditions safer. The Region of Peel shares tips to reduce your salt use and keep your driveways, sidewalks and walkways clear and safe. Learn more.

City of Brampton's Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan (CEEP)
On-going

City of Brampton has completed a Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan. Residents are invited to review the plan and learn about the role they can play. Learn more.

City of Brampton's One Million Trees - Count Your Tree
On-going

Have you recently planted a tree? The City has launched an online tree planting tracker tool to help monitor and report progress toward achieving the one million new tree goal. Record your newly planted tree in the online tree planting tracker.

City of Brampton's #SupportLocalBrampton Campaign
On-going

The impacts of COVID-19 have been deeply felt by all of us, including local businesses - the backbone of our community. Learn how you can make a difference.

Food Donations to Ste Louise Outreach Centre of Peel
On-going

Located in the Fletchers Creek SNAP neigbourhood, Ste Louise Outreach Centre of Peel (32 Haggert Ave.) is seeking food donations during COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.