August 17, 2026
St. Marys Tree Power Gains a New Partner
The Town of St. Marys and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) have struck a new partnership with Festival Hydro for the 2026 St. Marys Tree Power program.
The UTRCA's Tree Power program offers affordable native hardwood trees to watershed residents, through partnerships with its member municipalities and sponsors. This is the fifth year the program has been offered in St. Marys and the first with Festival Hydro as a sponsor.
St. Marys residents can purchase a tree via UTRCA's online shop starting Tuesday, August 18, at 9 am. The trees will be available for pick up at the St. Marys Municipal Operations Centre on Saturday, October 3.
"This new partnership initiative with Festival Hydro supports environmental sustainability by encouraging the planting of carefully selected native trees that can provide shade, improve air quality, enhance local community members' green spaces, and help reduce residential energy use over time," said Jeff Graham, Festival Hydro President and CEO.
"The Tree Power Program complements the goals of the Save on Energy program, which promotes energy conservation and efficiency across Ontario," Graham explained. "Together, these initiatives empower residents to take meaningful action toward reducing energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a more sustainable and resilient community for future generations."
"We are really pleased to have Festival Hydro partner with us in St. Marys. We have worked with them on the Stratford Tree Power program since it began in 2021. To have them expand their support to St. Marys is a wonderful boost to the program and helps increase its impact," added Emily Chandler, UTRCA Communications and Marketing Specialist.
The UTRCA Tree Power program began 15 years ago in London and is now in seven municipalities.
Please visit the St. Marys Tree Power website for more information.
Contact:
Emily Chandler, Communications and Marketing Specialist
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
(519) 451-2800 ext. 275