Trees are important to the beauty, comfort, health and safety of our community. For example, they play a role in providing quality tap water by slowing storm water and reducing run-off pollution that otherwise ends up in Lake Ontario, Kingston’s source of drinking water. That’s why Utilities Kingston is pleased to sponsor the STIHL Tour Des Trees.

On Wednesday, July 31, the cyclists of the STIHL Tour des Trees, North America’s largest fundraiser for tree research, will tour to Kingston on their weeklong, 585-mile cycling adventure to raise awareness of the need for tree research and funds for the Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund. The cyclists will stop at the newly renovated Lake Ontario Park, where veteran Tour cyclist and Toronto native Warren Hoselton, aka Professor Elwood Pricklethorn, headlines a children’s education program focusing on how trees grow and the important benefits they provide.

Help us welcome Tour riders at 12:30 p.m.; each rider commits to raising at least $3,500 for trees. The educational event takes place at 2:00 p.m. We hope to see you at Lake Ontario Park, 990 King Street W.

The right tree in the right place

Utilities Kingston aims to reduce the environmental impact of delivering utility services. When the right tree is planted in the right place, it helps to ensure the safety and reliability of gas, water, wastewater and electricity infrastructure, while protecting the trees. Learn more from our page on utilities and trees.