City providing grant-funded public tree pickup opportunities

The City of Medicine Hat’s Parks and Recreation department will have free trees available for resident pickup as part of a successful grant application for the Growing Canada's Community Canopies (GCCC) Program. The City’s grant-funded project provides shade and ornamental trees for both public and private property, to revitalize and expand the urban tree canopy in Medicine Hat.

The City will plant 800 trees on City-owned property in 2026. Medicine Hat residents will have approximately 1400 trees available this year to plant on private property. These numbers approximately reflect the percentage of trees located on public and private property in Medicine Hat. With most trees located on private property, Hatters will be able to make a significant difference by participating in this program. Local school division students will have had the first opportunity to secure a tree as per the grant application, before the remainder are available to the public.

“This initiative is about more than planting trees—it’s about investing in the future of our community,” said Orlando Whetter, Manager of Parks with the City of Medicine Hat. “By working together with residents, students, and families, we’re collectively strengthening our urban tree canopy, enhancing our beautiful neighbourhoods, and leaving a lasting legacy.”

Public tree pickup dates

Trees will be available for public pickup at the Medicine Hat Stampede and Exhibition, west of Higdon Hall on the following days, or as supplies last:

• Thursday, May 21 – 12 to 5 p.m.
• Friday, May 22 – 1 to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  
  

Available tree species

The following eight tree species are suitable for Medicine Hat’s growing climate. Click on each species below to view a photo of a mature tree for reference. If properly planted and cared for, they will provide shade for residents, and habitats for birds and pollinators for decades to come.

Pickup details

Trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one tree per person (more than one allowed per household). Participants can select from the available trees and will be asked to complete a simple registration form on-site to confirm the receipt, planting, and care for the tree. Tree planting and tree care instructions will be provided on-site by Parks staff.

All trees will come in a five-gallon container pot and have a stem between five and six feet tall. A truck or securely covered trailer are recommended for transporting the trees home, though trees may be transportable within smaller SUVs or cars.

The City of Medicine Hat looks forward to this community collaboration to ensure the long-term vibrance of its urban canopy for decades to come.

Resident wanting to learn more about the program and tree pickup days can direct inquiries to the Parks team at parks@medicinehat.ca or 403-529-8333.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca