Commemorative Program

Introduction

The Town of Minto is committed to the provision, protection and preservation of parks and green spaces plus the development of safe, clean and accessible facilities; further advocating community pride and environmental health. We are continually monitoring and planning new open space, community partnerships, redevelopment of existing facilities and future needs. We wish to encourage individuals and community organizations to provide input and assistance with our planning process.

The purpose of the Commemorative Bench and Tree (CB&T) Program is to facilitate the donation of a commemorative bench or tree within the Town of Minto. Program procedures, fees and terms will be identified within the program. The program will to the beautification and greening of the Town of Minto and increase community amenities.

Bench and Tree Program

Scope and Administration

The program will be offered in designated areas throughout the Town of Minto: primarily cemeteries, parks, and facilities for the agreed upon terms as approved by the donor. Specific placement locations will be at the discretion of Town staff. The CB&T Program will be coordinated by Town of Minto staff. Commemorative benches and trees in cemeteries, parks and facilities will be placed and maintained by Town staff. 

Definitions

• Bench: A bench as selected and ordered by the Town of Minto staff. Preference given to aluminum or steel models.
• Tree: The choice of commemorative trees will be native species or cultivated varieties approved by Town staff and listed on the Request Form. 

Requests

Any party wishing to donate a bench or tree must complete the Request Form available online or from the Town Office. For Spring planting or placement, the deadline is April 1st and for Fall planting or placement the deadline is September 1st.  More frequent requests will be addressed at the discretion of Town staff.

Choice of tree species or cultivated varieties are listed on the Request Form on the municipal website. Individual plaques are offered for benches and trees. 

Location

Donors may indicate their preferred location(s) of those available in the cemeteries, parks, and facilities in the Town of Minto.  It will be at the discretion of municipal staff to locate the items based on factors including current and future plans, infrastructure, prior placement, etc. Exact placement and planting dates cannot be specified. The donor will be notified after the placement or planting is completed.

Replacement

• Commemorative benches and associated plaques will be maintained by the Town of Minto for a maximum of 10 years and 2 years respectively, at no cost to the applicant. 
• Bench repair/replacement after 10 years will be at the Town staff’s discretion. 
• Trees will be replaced by the Town of Minto at no charge to the applicant within 3 years of the original planting date or a subsequent replanting date if required. 
• Plaque repair/replacement after 2 years will be charged to the applicant.
• Replacement for vandalism will be limited to 1 time for a commemorative bench, tree, or plaque.

Fees

Current fees are listed on the Request Form. Choice of plaque and/or plaque wording for benches and trees are also offered on the form. Full payment is required prior to the donation being processed. 

Tax Deductible

The donation of a bench or tree is tax deductible. Those wishing receipts for tax purposes must submit full payment within the applicable calendar year.