February 15, 2014
CN will provide up to $25,000 in matching funds to more than 100 Canadian communities in 2014-16 to help green public properties.

Since CN initiated the program in 2012, community support of the program has been strong, with nearly 200 communities applying for funds. A total of 55 applications have been approved.

Sean Finn, CN Executive Vice-President, Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer, says “The projects we’re seeing are outstanding for their scope and creativity.”

The From the Ground Up Program will continue to invite applications for tree planting and other green spaces programs.

CN works in partnership with two prominent national organizations on the program. Tree Canada has a 20-year reputation for empowering communities to develop and maintain healthy urban and rural forests. Communities in Bloom is renowned in communities across Canada for its work in enhancing green spaces.

“The projects undertaken in 2012 and 2013 have exceeded our expectations,” said Raymond Carrière, Founding President of Communities in Bloom. “Not only has the From the Ground Up program enabled communities to create green spaces, it has also demonstrated sustainability such as creating environments to learn about urban forestry and composting, provide play areas in much needed areas, establish natural buffer areas, and much more.

For more information on the program, go to http://gfl.me/x21q.