Thank You to Everyone Who Participated!
This year’s pageant nominations highlighted the meaningful connections Ontarians have with their local leafy companions. The 2025 Ontario Tree Pageant received around 80 nominations, showcasing trees of all shapes and sizes from every corner of the province. From towering backyard giants to quiet neighborhood treasures, each tree tells a story, reflecting the personal, historical, community, and family ties that make them so special.
From memorial trees to community landmarks, heritage trees to childhood companions, this round of nominations reminded us that trees are more than just greenery—they are a keystone part of our lives, our stories, and our communities
View this year’s official results.
Let’s Explore a Few Unique Submissions From This Year’s Contest…
Rodney The Tree
Ever seen a tree listed as a tourist attraction on Google? Meet Rodney, standing proudly on Massey Street in Toronto with over 250+ five-star reviews on Google! Rodney, a juvenile Eastern Redbud, who randomly appeared on the platform and has since gone viral, becoming a beloved symbol of internet humour and community. This tree perfectly highlights how trees can bring people together, sparking joy, laughter, and a light-hearted sense of connection. Nominated by Dolev Harari.
The Kippen Elm
Located in Kippen, Ontario, this resilient Elm has captured hearts with its strength and history. For an elm of its size, surviving in an era marked by Dutch Elm Disease and past threats of removal, it stands as a remarkable local landmark and a symbol of quiet endurance.
Nominated five times this year, the tree has inspired acts of courage, community support, and admiration from far and wide. Its beauty, history, and the stories of people who fought to protect it make this Elm a true Ontario treasure, and it proudly earned third place in the 2025 Ontario Tree Pageant!
The Wise Old Oak:
A tree with a face and wise presence! The ‘Wise Old Oak’ is located along the Health Valley Trail in Waterloo Region. This peculiar being stands out for its distinctive appearance and size. Its features give it a unique character that draws the attention of hikers and visitors alike, making it a memorable landmark in the forest.
The tree invites people to pause and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty. Its presence adds interest to the trail and highlights the remarkable diversity and character found within the local forest ecosystem.
Oaks, Maples, and More: This Year’s Popular Species
This year, around 29 different tree species were nominated. Oaks took the top spot as the most nominated tree, with maples coming in second. Check out the full breakdown to see which trees captured Ontarians’ hearts.
A Province-Wide Initiative
Trees came from over 40 municipalities, showing just how widespread participation is across the province. Nominations stretched from Tecumseh on Lake Erie up to Richards Landing and Callander near Lake Nipissing, covering roughly 600 km from north to south, proof that tree love knows no boundaries!
400 Years Strong: A Celebration Under the First Place White Oak:
On October 4th, the White Oak crowned winner of the Ontario Tree Pageant in Niagara-on-the-Lake was celebrated in style. The event took place on the property of Abe Epp, the tree’s longtime caretaker, who attended with his family at 96 years old, witnessing the recognition of this remarkable natural landmark.
The event kicked off with guest speakers including Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, MPP Wayne Gates, and Sue Mingle, representing MP Tony Baldinelli.
Judge Paul Zammit, Instructor at Niagara College and CBC Radio Gardening Guest Host, highlighted the Oak’s ecological importance, noting it supports 534 lepidoptera species and encourages people to “stop, look up and think about all of the many things that this magnificent tree and others do every day.”
Ms. Mingle presented the award-winning plaque to the Epp Family, followed by a festive sashing of the Oak. Guests enjoyed perfect weather, community fellowship, and prize draws.
The Ontario Tree Pageant continues to celebrate Ontario’s remarkable trees and their vital role in the province’s natural and cultural heritage.
Special thanks to nominator Sara Richardson, the volunteer judges, and Ecclestone Financial Group for supporting this year’s event.
