Applications for commemorative trees/stones are now open!
Through the Commemorative Program, the City partners with residents and visitors to increase the number of trees and benches in parks. By contributing to the program, donors can pay tribute to a person or occasion within public lands.
You may donate a commemorative tree and stone in Sunnidale Park, a parkland native tree and/or a commemorative bench* in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a marriage or birth, to honour a retiree, as a gift for a graduating student or birthday, to recognize an anniversary, or any other special occasion.
Space is limited to 15 trees and 10 benches* per year. Applications are accepted through Service Barrie at ServiceBarrie.ca.
*The commemorative bench portion of the program is under review in 2026 and applications will not be accepted.
Commemorative Tree and Stone in Sunnidale Park
Commemorative stones are made of granite with a flamed top surface. They are grey and 4" thick by 6" deep by 12" long. Stone inscription applications are accepted up to August 15 annually. This allows enough time for stone production and installment. Any applications that are received after August 15 will not be installed until the following fall season.
Applications are accepted through Service Barrie at ServiceBarrie.ca.
The total cost per tree donation is $620, payable to the City of Barrie upon submission of the application form. The donation is tax deductible as per the Income Tax Act, sub-paragraph 110 (1, 2, 1v) and income tax receipts will be issued upon request.
The donation in no way constitutes ownership of the tree and City staff reserve the right to relocate the tree if redevelopment warrants this action.
To preserve the public park setting, additional tags, artifacts, plant material or any other commemorative personal items are not permitted in the area where the tree is planted.
Please be aware that scattering ashes outside of a registered cemetery is prohibited under the Provincial Cemeteries Act.
The program will be reviewed from time to time which may result in revisions to the policy in future years.
Parkland Native Trees
Residents can purchase a native tree to be planted in a neighbourhood park, provided the City's Parks Services department approves of the minimum size, species and specific location. No plaque is permitted, due to concerns relating to vandalism, mowing maintenance and durability.
Applications are accepted through Service Barrie at ServiceBarrie.ca.
The total cost per tree donation is $400, payable to the City of Barrie upon submission of the application form. The donation is tax deductible as per the Income Tax Act, sub-paragraph 110 (1, 2, 1v) and income tax receipts will be issued upon request.
Tree installation will be scheduled once per year during fall planting contract.
The donation in no way constitutes ownership of the tree and City staff reserve the right to relocate the tree if redevelopment warrants this action.
To preserve the public park setting, additional tags, artifacts, plant material or any other commemorative personal items are not permitted in the area where the tree is planted.
The program will be reviewed from time to time which may result in revisions to the policy in future years.
Commemorative Benches (On Hold)
The commemorative bench program is on hold in 2026, as the program is being evaluated. Applications will not be accepted in 2026. This webpage will be updated once the evaluation process is complete.
Through the commemorative bench program, residents can donate a heritage-style bench with an inscribed bronze plaque to be placed within a park.
Applications are accepted through Service Barrie at ServiceBarrie.ca. The program is currently on hold and applications are not being accepted.
You may select the park of your choice, with some exceptions. All location requests are subject to approval. If a desired location already has a bench that has not been donated, City staff may explore replacing it.
The total cost per bench donation is updated annually in the Fees By-law, payable to the City of Barrie at the time of submitting a complete application.
The total cost includes the bench and plaque, 10 year maintenance and administration. Theft or vandalism of the plaque is not covered by the maintenance responsibilities of the City. The donation is tax deductible as per the Income Tax Act, subparagraph 110 (1, 2, 1v) and income tax receipts will be issued upon request.
Bench installations will be scheduled based on bench fabricator production timelines and the workload of Operations staff. The City cannot accommodate personal scheduling requests. The City will notify the donor when the bench has been installed.
The donation in no way constitutes ownership of the bench, and the City reserves the right to relocate the bench if circumstances warrant this action.
The program will be reviewed from time to time which may result in revisions to the policy in future years.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through Service Barrie at ServiceBarrie.ca. Applications for the 2026 program opened on February 9, 2026.
