April 15, 2013
The London Chapter is preparing for the next phase of the Veterans Memorial Parkway that will see two new large features and 650 more trees planted along the 10-kilometre stretch of highway.

The Chapter will be joined by the 66th Scout Troop in constructing two new large features. They will include a park with memorial tree plantings featuring the Canadian flag and a large rock inscribed with the word Bravery.

To date, 255 tonnes of stone and 2,800 trees and shrubs have been planted, which required 3,200 hours of volunteer time.

Barry Sandler, executive director of the Veterans Memorial Parkway community program, says, “I think by the end of this we’ll have the largest commemorative feature to veterans in the country, if not the world.”

The project, which began two years ago, is a tribute to the men and women who have served in Canada’s military. It is hoped that by 2017, over 6,000 trees and 15 commemorative rocks will be installed along the parkway.

The London Chapter of Landscape Ontario leads the community coalition, which includes municipal, provincial and federal governments, military veteran groups, corporations, small businesses, service and community groups.

A special reception for corporate and community partners was held on Mar. 1, to honour those who helped the VMP project arrive at its present state.

Sandler said the response has been incredible.

More information on the project, or to donate, may be found at treesfortheparkway.ca.