ontario tree planting

Local nursery forced to destroy 3 million trees because of Ontario government

A tree planting program in Ontario has been cancelled as the result of a new policy from the provincial government, and a local nursery is speaking out. 

The "50 Million Tree Program" would see exactly that—50 million trees planted around the province. The project started in 2008 and has already resulted in about 27 million saplings being planted. 

However, the provincial government cut the program just a couple weeks ago, and now there are millions of trees ready for planting that have nowhere to go.

Ed Patchell, CEO of Ferguson Tree Nursery in Kemptville, says that the lack of funding from the government means he cannot afford supplies, labour, or other operating expenses, and has no choice but to destroy the young unplanted trees. 

Basically, the Ontario government was a "client" purchasing the trees from Patchell's nursery, and without that client, the trees have no buyer. They're too young to ship elsewhere, so they must be destroyed or purchased by other prospective buyers. 

Is anyone interested in buying 3 million trees? 

Lead photo by

Alex Indigo


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

New laws and rules coming to Ontario next month

Next phase of Gardiner Expressway work to begin and here's what to expect

Toronto will get more water taxis to relieve overcrowded island ferries

Huge earth-chewing titans will soon carve out Toronto's new $27B subway line

The most popular pet name in Toronto is the same for both cats and dogs

Key Toronto intersection is finally reopening after days-long emergency closure

Troublesome raccoon stalls TTC subway service in most Toronto incident ever

More Canadians are about to have an easier time filing their taxes