ReForest London is thrilled to announce that it has secured $2.1 million in funding from the Government of Canada through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program to transform the historic Perth Pavilion at the Westminster Ponds Centre into an energy-efficient, solar-powered Urban Forestry Centre.
This major investment will support the conversion of a 1940s veterans’ facility into a modern, accessible space designed to serve as a hub for urban forestry and climate action in London. The new centre will provide a range of community forestry programs focused on combating climate change, particularly extreme heat, through tree planting, community workshops, and other nature-based solutions.
The new Urban Forestry Centre will be designed with sustainability at its core. The upgrades will include energy-efficient windows, insulation, and updated HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact. Solar panels will be installed to provide renewable energy, making the facility more self-sufficient and reducing operational costs over time.
“This historic investment in ReForest London represents a pivotal moment for our community and for urban forestry across the country,” said Rodger Moran, Co-Executive Director at ReForest London. “This project is about more than us. It’s about creating a space where the community can come together, learn from one another, and take action to care for our shared environment. It’s a testament to collaboration and community, and we’re excited to get started!”
The new Urban Forestry Centre will also house programming for ReForest London’s Community Tree Nursery, expanding the organization’s capacity to grow native trees and increase tree canopy coverage throughout the city. The nursery will play a key role in addressing the effects of urban heat and improving environmental health in London’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods.
ReForest London has been a leader in environmental action and urban forestry for nearly two decades, engaging thousands of volunteers and planting over 500,000 trees. This new centre will allow the organization to expand its impact, offering more programs, volunteer opportunities, and community events to empower Londoners to engage with nature and take meaningful climate action.
The federal government’s investment reflects a broader commitment to strengthening and revitalizing Canadian communities through sustainable and inclusive infrastructure projects.
