Kelowna Tree Planting Festival (2025)
Organizer: Kelowna Chinese United Association (KCUA) and the Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA), with the support of the City of Kelowna.
Event Name: 2025 Kelowna Tree Planting Festival
Event Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 12:00 PM
Event Location: Rutland Centennial Park
Food: Bring a snack if needed. Bottled water kindly sponsored by Save-On-Foods
Clothing: Event is outdoors.
Parking: Free. Parking Area.
Cost: Free. 200 saplings available for purchase at $10 each – plant your own tree at home
“Kelowna Grows, Canopy Flows – Plant Today, Shade Tomorrow’”
Purpose:
The Kelowna City Council recently passed the 2024 Urban Forestry Strategy, which aims to increase tree canopy coverage in city centres and core areas to 20% and in suburban and rural areas to 25% by 2050.
According to this plan, approximately 1,200 additional trees need to be planted annually beyond the current level to achieve these goals.
In response to the strategy's release, the Kelowna Chinese United Association actively engaged with the City Council and proposed hosting an annual tree planting festival. This event aims to raise public awareness of tree planting and environmental protection, inspire citizens to participate in urban greening, and contribute to community building. Mayor Tom Dyas expressed strong support for this proposal and arranged for relevant departments to further discuss the event with the association to ensure it aligns with the city's strategic goals.
Event Highlights:
Building on the success of the 2024 Tree Planting Festival, over 60 participants from five groups planted saplings at Ben Lee Park, strengthening community ties. Trees are vital to Kelowna’s future, reducing climate impacts, improving air and water quality, regulating temperatures, and beautifying our city. The festival offers residents a meaningful way to help build a greener, healthier community.
Why Participate?
Showcase your organization’s commitment to sustainability
Connect with diverse cultural and community groups
Engage the public through interactive booth activities
Be part of Kelowna’s growing urban forest movement
Booth Info:
Interactive activities, eco-prizes, and information displays
Opportunity to join stage performances and signature banner
The Kelowna Tree Planting Festival was a resounding success, held on a beautiful autumn day at Ben Lee Park. Organized by the Kelowna Chinese United Association (KCUA), the event was supported by the City of Kelowna and several local organizations, including the Tree Protectors Association, the Kelowna South-Central Association of Neighbours (KSAN), the Rutland Residents Association, and the Chinese Freemasons Society.
The festival aimed to raise environmental awareness and encourage community involvement in urban greening, in line with the Kelowna City Council’s 2024 Urban Forestry Strategy. City representative Stuart Mackey opened the event with remarks highlighting the vital role trees play in enhancing urban health. He urged residents to participate in tree planting and outlined the city’s ongoing efforts to expand green spaces, promote private tree planting, and engage the public through community programs.
The event drew a diverse group of around 40 participants, ranging from children to seniors, reflecting a strong, cross-generational commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable future for Kelowna. Participants received practical training from tree experts, who provided step-by-step guidance on planting techniques and tree care to ensure the healthy growth of the saplings. Under expert supervision, attendees eagerly planted trees in designated areas throughout the park.
The choice of Ben Lee Park as the festival site was significant. Ben Lee, a prominent Chinese-Canadian leader and longtime city councilor, made notable contributions to Kelowna’s park system. The newly planted trees, arranged in a heart shape around his monument, symbolized the community’s deep respect and admiration for his lasting legacy.
Lei Zhang
2025 Tree Festival Organizing Committee Member
