Latest news with #Boonstra
Hamilton Spectator
17-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Reep extends tree-planting program into Woolwich
After several years of success elsewhere in the region, the Reep Backyard Tree Planting is piloting the program in Woolwich Township this summer. In 2019, Reep Green Solutions started the Reep Backyard Tree Planting program, which was adopted from a program created by a group in Toronto. Its goal is to plant native trees on private properties at a subsidized cost. The organization's Aaron Boonstra told The Observer that many municipal partners 'recognize that the majority of space to plant trees is on private land.' 'Our program is designed to help property owners find the right tree for the right place. We're excited to expand the program, which will be funded through the Region of Waterloo Community Environmental Fund.' Tree costs range from $160 to $230, which includes delivery and planting service, property consultation, and a care and maintenance guide. Applications are open now, and consultations will be done over the summer, with plantings to take place in the fall. During the consultation, program participants will be guided through the entire process and learn good tree stewardship, a key aspect of the program, according to Boonstra. 'Which is an in-person consultation at their property to discuss what trees will do well and best provide the benefits that they're specifically looking for,' added Boonstra. 'Whether that's providing shade, flowering or fruiting trees, or something that provides year-round privacy or energy conservation for their house, or supporting local wildlife, all those kinds of things.' Another way this helps is that many groups, such as Trees4Woolwich and Reforest Woolwich, have the goal of increasing the tree canopy in the township. However, one area where they struggle to achieve this is on urban and private property. This program will help fill in the gap and help get to the goals of the urban tree canopy set out by the Environmental Canada, said Boonstra. 'In Elmira, there's a tree canopy percentage of around 16 per cent, and an objective from Environment Canada suggested a target of at least 30 per cent tree canopy cover in urban settings is ideal,' he noted. 'So, I think there's room for trees to be planted and to start getting those benefits from the trees. Especially as our climate changes, we're expecting warmer summers, wetter summers, and trees that help to provide shade and soak up a lot of that rainwater.' Boonstra added that the already established groups also create a lot of appetite for residents wanting to get involved with programs like this. 'I think Woolwich has developed a strong momentum for tree planting and growing tree canopy through groups like Trees for Woolwich and Reforest Woolwich, which have large-scale tree planting campaigns, and like the roadsides and things. 'I think there's a lot of momentum in the township, and people are realizing the benefits that are there, and are just keen to kind of capitalize on our momentum.' More information about the program can be found online at . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cleburne wins distinguished budget award
Thirty-four consecutive years and counting, Cleburne Finance Director Craig Boonstra said of the city's latest award. Boonstra, during Tuesday's meeting of the Cleburne City Council, announced that Cleburne has once again won the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Association announced the award March 11. This year's award is in connection with Cleburne's annual budget for the 2025 fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. 'This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting,' Boonstra said. 'Its attainment represents a significant achievement by a city organization.' In choosing recipients for the award, the Association consider several criteria, Boonstra said. 'In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as a financial plan, as an operations guide, and as a communications device,' Boonstra said. Cleburne's long running tradition of receiving the award each year speaks volumes, Mayor Scott Cain said. 'It speaks to the professionalism and quality of our finance department,' Cain said. 'It also speaks to our other city departments who support and work with the finance department in creating the budget.' Amendments and renovations Based on a desire to support the development of non-profit, affordable housing within the city, council members unanimously approved an amendment to city codes dealing with impact fees. 'The hope is to provide financial relief through the exemption of impact fees [in certain cases],' Public Works Director Jeremy Hutt said. 'This effort aims to reduce development costs and encourage the construction of affordable housing units by non-profit entities.' Such an exemption already exists within the city for public school construction projects. This addition, Hutt and others said, should help spur construction of affordable housing. Hutt, in answer to Councilman Oliver Cozby's question, said the exemption will apply both to construction projects involving single homes as well as multiple home projects. 'To request an exemption, the applicant must submit a formal letter to the director of public works, which includes a description of the proposed development, including location and number of housing units as well as documentation verifying the applicant's non-profit status and supporting information demonstrating compliance with the requirements for affordable housing,' Hutt said. 'If an exemption is granted but the development is not constructed as affordable housing or later ceases to qualify, the city shall assess and collect applicable impact fees based on the rates in effect at the time of building permit or water meter issuance.' Council members also approved the replacement of 39 windows at city hall for a cost not to exceed $115,000. Council also agreed to hire Strong Commercial for the project. The post office previously occupied the current city hall building, which dates to the early 20th Century. 'The existing windows are in poor condition and require full replacement to improve energy efficiency, aesthetics, and overall building performance,' Hutt said. 'The project scope includes the replacement, demolition, and proper disposal of a total of 39 windows.'
