If you can dream it ... you can do it

Mayor Victor Fedeli looks at what will soon be 33 acre park in the downtown following ceremonial planting on the park site Friday.

The Heritage Gardeners and the Nipissing Botanical Gardens committee took one step closer to realizing their dream of the Community Waterfront Park Friday as the group transplanted the first trees from the tree nursery that will eventually lead to a 33 acre park in the downtown.

Harriet Madigan Chair, Nipissing Botanical Gardens Committee and Heritage Gardeners says she is thrilled to see the dream taking shape and nearing reality. The groups not the vision for a park-like city instead of a city with parks really is more than possible with the addition of the Community Waterfront Park.

“For me personally, it’s awesome that so many people, from all walks of life gather together to do something spectacular for love of their community,” she noted in her speech during the ceremony.




Background

In 2006 the Nipissing Botanical Gardens Committee , along with several partners including the City of North Bay, North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority, Eagle Tree Service and two brand new teams of Heritage Gardeners, the Outlanders and the Green Berets, planted 6000 shrubs and 400 trees seedlings at two sites along Chippewa Creek near Hammond St. and Second Ave. East. This was made possible through funding from Trees Canada-Walmart Foundation and NECO. Four years later some of the small “sticks” are 14 feet tall trees and ready for their permanent home at the Community Waterfront Park. To the volunteers and residents who stewarded this project , it means our park vision is well on its way to a reality.

Speeches

In 2006 the Nipissing Botanical Gardens Committee , along with several partners including the City of North Bay, North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority, Eagle Tree Service, Greater Nipissing Stewardship council, Nipissing Botanical Gardens, and two brand new teams of Heritage Gardeners, the Outlanders and the Green Berets, planted 6000 shrubs and 450 trees seedlings at two sites along Chippewa Creek our city. This project was funded by Trees Canada-Walmart Foundation, TD Canada Trust, and NECO and cost $12,500. Four years later some of the small “sticks” are 14-20 foot caliper trees and are now transplanted to their permanent home at the Community Waterfront Park. To the volunteers and residents who steward this project, it means our park vision is another step closer and well on its way to a reality. 

Planting the trees with many of the original volunteers,in 2006 onto the nursery site was an amazing experience. Transplanting these trees in 2010, the first plant on our park site was equally amazing. One volunteer who shall remain nameless jokingly remarked, as we planted, “Well Hariett, this just goes to show that size really does matter”. From sticks to tall trees raised in our own community, from former barren rail lands to a 33 acre park. Yes size does matter. What a profound impact to our downtown as well as our city. …Our very own ‘Central Park’!

So what does this all mean? Was it really worth it? NBG proved that we could raise our own trees in our own city with volunteers. We saved approx. $50,000 by doing so. We created continuing community partnership and stewardship with business, non-profit organizations, and citizens. We raised awareness of the importance of trees in our urban environment. We increased our tree canopy. Collaborative partners committed to continuing the nursery. We created habitat for our birds and other animals. We increased protection of Chippewa Creek by transplanting 100 trees and shrubs to its banks. Now how’s that for economic, environmental, and social sustainability?

For me personally, it’s awesome that so many people, from all walks of life gather together to do something spectacular for love of their community. Special mention to Hal Falk, Troy Storms, Peggy Walsh Craig and Monica McLaren.

Thank you to the volunteers who initiated the first tree nursery ever in the city of North Bay in 2006, to the funding agencies, NOHFC, FEDNOR, NECO, City of North Bay, CWF, HG, who have contributed to and remain invested in the development of our park.  And thank you for your continued support into the next infrastructure phase of berming, shaping and greening this area.

Harriet Madigan
Chair, Nipissing Botanical Gardens Committee & Heritage Gardeners


A note from Rod Johnston, Chairman CWF

Sorry I could not be here, as I am taking a course in Toronto this weekend, adding to my higher edaficashun.

In 2000, when Community Waterfront Friends was formed, we had our basic principles of sustainability laid out. One of our pie in the sky discussions at the time was to have a nursery and grow the trees and shrubs for the new park.

Today marks the realization of that dream thanks to the amazing efforts of many very dedicated volunteers. This moment is the result of much co-operation between the City of North Bay, North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority, Eagle Tree Service, Peggy Walsh Craig, the Heritage Gardeners/Nipissing Botanical Gardens and many volunteers. It shows a deep love for our community and the environment of which we should all be proud.

What is equally miraculous is that this is one more piece of the park becoming reality. I am excited as we can look forward to adding many more pieces of a once unimagineable dream falling into place based on the principles of giving and co-operation.

Well done and thanks so, so much to everyone involved.
Sincerely,
Rod Johnston
Chairman CWF