The City of Parksville is offering a rebate for property and business owners who wish to plant a tree on their properties and help grow the city’s urban forest.
The rebate, for properties within city limits, is for the purchase of a tree up to $50, according to a media release from the city.
“Trees can reduce stress levels and fatigue, calm traffic, provide privacy, emphasize views or screen out unsightly views, enhance architecture, increase property values, moderate the environment, improve air quality and reduce storm water runoff,” reads the release.
To qualify, residents must be planting a tree that will reach a mature height of at least 4.9 m (16 ft). Shrubs and bushes are not eligible.
Trees must be planted in the ground on private property to be eligible. They may not be planted on city boulevards or other city-owned property. Trees in pots or containers do not qualify for the rebate.
Property owners can apply for one rebate per property each year. Rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted, according to the city.
People interested in the rebate will need to fill out an application form, available on the city’s website, and provide proof of purchase and planting.
