Civic Awards and Recognition Program

Commemorative trees, benches or plaques may be purchased for:

• Past Clarington residents who are deceased.
• Persons who are deceased and were non-residents but made a significant contribution to public service, charitable works or volunteering in Clarington.
• Past Clarington residents or non-residents who are deceased and have performed a heroic act in service of others in Clarington.
• Organizations, groups and charities that have made significant contributions to public service, charitable works or volunteering that serve the Clarington community.

• Clarington staff will choose the exact location of the plaque, tree or bench. When filling out the application, please select the park or cemetery of your choice; however, it is subject to approval by Municipal staff.
• Residents cannot be on site when the tree or bench is being installed for safety reasons.
• Installations will be completed each year in the spring. Staff cannot provide specific installation dates but will contact you once the tree, bench, or plaque has been installed.

Tree planting, bench and plaque applications

There are no commemorative tree locations available at Bowmanville Valley 2000 or the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area.

• Commemorative tree donation fee: $924
• The fee includes a commemorative tree, plaque and replacement, if necessary, within the first five years after the original planting date.
• Municipal staff will choose the tree species that is most appropriate for the location.
• The plaque can only fit 20 characters per line (including spaces) and a maximum of three lines. When submitting the plaque wording, please ensure it is exactly how you would like it, using capitals and dashes as needed. Plaque wording is subject to Municipal approval.

Commemorative plaques can only be installed at juvenile trees (trees planted within the past five years).

• Commemorative plaque at existing juvenile tree donation fee: $490
• The fee includes plaque and replacement, if necessary, within the first five years after the original installation date.
• The plaque can only fit 20 characters per line (including spaces) and a maximum of three lines. When submitting the plaque wording, please ensure it is exactly how you would like it, using capitals and dashes as needed. Plaque wording is subject to Municipal approval.

Commemorative bench locations at Bowmanville Valley 2000 or the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area require approval from the associated committees (Bowmanville Valleys 2000 Group and the Samuel Wilmot Nature Advisory Committee).

• A bench must be installed along a walkway to meet Clarington’s accessibility standards.
• Commemorative bench fee: $2,824
• The fee includes a commemorative bench, plaque, concrete pad, installation and maintenance.
• The plaque can only fit 20 characters per line (including spaces) and a maximum of three lines. When submitting the plaque wording, please ensure it is exactly how you would like it, using capitals and dashes as needed. Plaque wording is subject to Municipal approval.

To apply for a commemorative bench, tree or plaque, visit the Service Clarington portal and use the online application.

To request multiple commemorative trees, benches or plaques, please submit a separate application for each. Staff will review each request individually.

Once staff review your application, we may reach out to you for additional information. If your application is approved, you will receive an email requesting payment.

If you have questions or require assistance with the application process, please contact Public Works staff at 905-623-3379 ext. 2661.

• The Municipality reserves the right to approve or deny any request for a commemorative tree, bench or plaque.
• The Municipality will select the tree species and the final location of any tree, bench or plaque. The Municipality retains the right to relocate a donated tree, bench or plaque at any time. Parks staff will contact the donor to discuss alternative locations if relocation is required.
• All items and associated plaques donated to the Municipality of Clarington become property of the Municipality. Clarington will maintain the donated items for their expected life span.
• A ceremony or gathering will be permitted; however, in the interest of safety, it cannot be held on the day of installation.
• The Municipality does not allow ashes or memorial items to be placed under, near, around or on any commemorative tree, bench or plaque.
• A tax receipt will be issued when the donation amount has been paid in full.