Mississauga officials say the number of trees planted across the city since the launch of the One Million Trees Mississauga initiative in 2013 would, placed end to end, form a line long enough to stretch all the way to Vancouver.

In case you’re wondering, the tally of sugar maples, white pines, red oaks, paper birch and other native trees it takes to create such a formation, according to the City of Mississauga, is 653,729.

That’s the up-to-date figure (as of this week) of trees planted the past 13 years since the initiative to add one million trees to the city’s canopy by 2032 was launched.

The city reached the halfway mark nearly three-and-a-half years ago, in April 2023.

Through the program, trees are planted by city staff, community partners and volunteers on both public and private property.

The goal is to “help conserve and enhance the city’s open spaces and forested areas for future generations to enjoy,” the city said, adding residents can add to the total one planting at a time if they wish.

“Whether you participate in a city tree planting event or plant on your private property, each tree counts. Add your tree to our tally and have it count towards the city’s goal of planting one million trees,” the city said.

Currently, Mississauga counts some 2.2 million trees on both public and private lands across the city. And that number is growing as the municipality, conservation authorities, businesses, community groups, schools and individuals all contribute their tree-planting efforts.

“Planting more trees helps increase canopy cover while restoring and enhancing Mississauga’s open spaces and forested areas for future generations to enjoy. Trees help filter out hazardous chemicals like carbon dioxide, increase Mississauga’s beauty through colourful blooms and leaves, and provide wildlife shelter, shade and food,” city officials said earlier.

Officials note that since the program began in 2013, a diverse mix of native trees have been planted including sugar maple, white pine, red oak and paper birch.

“The city’s ultimate goal is to increase the tree canopy in parks, boulevards and natural areas and, in doing so, expand Mississauga’s natural heritage system and urban forest.”


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