Engaging, educating and expanding environmental sustainability
The Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy thrives in its first year
As Vaughan continues to grow, so does our commitment to protecting the natural environment. Thanks to thousands of residents, volunteers, businesses and community partners, the City’s Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy had a standout first year.
Throughout 2025, Green Guardians programs brought people together to plant trees, clean public spaces, create pollinator habitats and celebrate local biodiversity. These collective efforts boosted environmental awareness, increased participation across the city and laid the groundwork for continued program growth in the years ahead.
Here are some highlights:
Corporate and Community Tree Planting: Planted 1,180 trees with the help of 332 volunteers across nine events.
Community Cleanups: Empowered residents, community groups and local businesses to take shared responsibility for keeping public spaces clean, with 671 participants across 35 community-led cleanup events.
Community Planting Fund: Created six pollinator gardens in partnership with five community groups and more than 100 volunteers.
Curb Appeal: Recognized 850 beautifully maintained, creative and sustainable properties.
Grow with Vaughan: Secured 23 flowerpot, pollinator bed and flowerbed sponsorships from 17 local businesses.
Tree and Bench Dedication: Dedicated eight native trees and 11 benches.
20-Minute Makeover: Registered 102 groups with 9,952 participants to clean more than 100 City parks, parkettes, trails and public spaces.
National Pollinator Week and Flight of the Monarch Day: Engaged more than 300 residents and distributed more than 900 pollinator seed packets to the community.
At the May 12 Committee of the Whole (2) meeting, City staff presented the Year One Annual Report (PDF), highlighting major progress in expanding environmental programs and strengthening community stewardship. Vaughan Council ratified the report at the May 26 Council meeting.
To get involved in future Green Guardians initiatives, visit vaughan.ca/GreenGuardians.
QUOTES
“Vaughan takes great pride in being a green city. We all share the responsibility of caring for our environment. The City of Vaughan continues to lead by example, championing initiatives that protect and enhance our natural spaces – such as the Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy. I want to recognize the many dedicated City staff in the Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations department for expertly guiding and overseeing many environmental stewardship programs over the last year, as shown in this report and seen out in our community. I look forward to continuing to work together to create a greener, brighter and better city in the years ahead.”
– Mayor Steven Del Duca
“In much of our work as a City, our focus remains on keeping Vaughan safe, clean and beautiful. This report for the Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy has shown us what’s possible when City staff, residents and business leaders work together with a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Thank you to the Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations team for your hard work, expertise and professionalism. I am excited to grow this Strategy, expand community involvement and continue building a sustainable and thriving Vaughan for the future.”
– Zoran Postic, City Manager
“Vaughan’s Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy sets the pace for our work toward a cleaner, greener and more resilient city. The achievements highlighted in this report reflect more than just strategic alignment – they represent many meaningful actions taken by people who care deeply about Vaughan’s environment and natural spaces. I would like to extend my appreciation to the Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations staff and the entire Public Works team, who have all played an important part in bringing these initiatives to life.”
– Emilie Alderman, Deputy City Manager, Public Works
QUICK FACTS
The Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy (PDF) guides the City’s efforts to protect, maintain and foster a sustainable future, with a focus on community engagement, education and opportunities for expansion.
The Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy Year One Annual Report staff report (PDF) was presented to Vaughan Council at the Committee of the Whole (2) on May 12 and ratified at the May 26 Council meeting.
In 2025, more than 12,500 community members participated in 11 City-led events and 137 community-led events, with support from the City.
Through Green Guardians programs, more than 100 bags of litter were collected, 1,180 native trees were planted, and 398 native flowers, herbs and shrubs were planted.
Four new programs were launched last year, with more than 100 partnerships established with community groups, schools, non-profits and businesses across Vaughan.
LEARN MORE
Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy Year One Annual Report staff report (PDF) – May 12, 2026
Green Guardians Community Programs Strategy Year One Annual Report (PDF)
Green Guardians webpage
