SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2021

WHEREAS, Covering 66% of the province and 71.1 million hectares, Ontario’s forests are an indispensable source of ecological, cultural, health, social and economic benefits; and

WHEREAS, its forests are also located on the traditional territory of diverse Indigenous nations and provide nourishment and cultural value to these groups; and

WHEREAS, with numerous forested City parks and 55 kilometers of recreational trails, Thunder Bay’s forest cover offers valuable recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, its urban forest is not only a center for physical, mental and social well-being, but also a contributor of essential ecological services for the city such as pollution reduction, storm water retention, cooling and wildlife habitat; and

WHEREAS, the collective result of the work done by our city’s volunteers is that Thunder Bay is a more desirable place to live; and

WHEREAS, National Forest Week is an annual one-week campaign which recognizes its critical contribution to Canada and its people. This year, National Forest Week will be celebrates across the country by individuals and organizations with the theme of “Our Forests – Continually Giving”.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Mauro, Mayor of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim September 19-25, 2021, as National Forest Week in the City of Thunder Bay.