The Toronto Islands serve as a vital natural barrier, shielding downtown Toronto from
wind and storm surges off Lake Ontario. However, recent losses of trees on the Islands,
particularly those of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC), highlight the impact of
severe storms in 2017 and 2019.
To aid in restoring the island’s canopy, the RCYC has launched a Memorial Tree
Program, inviting members to fund the planting of new trees, each commemorated on a
central plaque.
In January 2025, the RCYC Board announced its partnership with Tree Trust to
enhance the Memorial Tree Program. Through this partnership, Tree Trust will:
- Provide expertise in selecting appropriate tree species and planting locations
- Offer charitable tax receipts for donations to the program
- Conduct a comprehensive tree inventory of the RCYC property, identifying trees
- that could benefit from professional preservation care by the Island’s approved
RCYC members can expect full details in an upcoming email to members on January
In the meantime, if you have questions, please feel free to contact Christina Eaton
at [email protected].
