Town of Oakville Shows Appreciation for Forest Capital of Canada Designation: Canadian Forestry Association Presented with Sculpture

Oakville, January 8, 2008
In appreciation of the 2007 Forest Capital of Canada designation, the Town of Oakville has donated a special sculpture to the Canadian Forestry Association for future Forest Capital of Canada designates.

The beautiful hand-crafted wooden sculpture was specially designed by "Valley Carver," Dub Juby for the Forest Capital of Canada program from a piece of heritage red pine salvaged from the Ottawa River where it had been entombed for over a century. Town of Oakville staff will present the sculpture to Norfolk County, the 2008 Forest Capital of Canada recipient.

"We are pleased to support the Forest Capital of Canada initiative and offer our encouragement and congratulations to Norfolk County," said Domenic Lunardo, Commissioner of Community Services.

In 2007, the Canadian Forestry Association, through its Patron, Her Excellency the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, designated the Town of Oakville as the 2007 Forest Capital of Canada.

"This special designation is part of a long-standing tradition of recognizing a community in Canada that demonstrates stewardship and sound practices toward sustainable forest management," said Dave Lemkay, General Manager of the Canadian Forestry Association. "We are thrilled to accept this sculpture and incorporate it into our tradition in honoring future Forest Capital of Canada communities."

As part of 2007 Forest Capital of Canada celebrations, the Town hosted a number of community events including gypsy moth, heritage tree and tree seed collection workshops, Arbor Day Grade 4 tree planting ceremonies, and partnered with a local environmental organization to host Oakville's first Great Heritage Tree Hunt.

Photo caption:
Town of Oakville Councillor Keith Bird, on behalf of the mayor, presents Dave Lemkay, General Manger of the Canadian Forestry Association with a donated sculpture in appreciation of the Town's designation as the 2007 Forest Capital of Canada. The sculpture will be presented to Norfolk County as the 2008 Forest Capital of Canada recipient. (Left to right: Domenic Lunardo, Commissioner of Community Services, Town of Oakville; Dave Lemkay, General Manager of the Canadian Forestry Association; Keith Bird, Regional and Town Councillor; John McNeil, Manager of Forestry, Town of Oakville.)