‘Deeply meaningful’: Philanthropist donates $600K to plant more trees in Assiniboine Park

Trees in Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, Man., on July 15, 2025. (CTV News Winnipeg)

Hundreds of trees are expected to be planted in Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park over the next few years, thanks to a financial donation from a Manitoba philanthropist.

On Wednesday, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy announced a $600,000 donation from Bob Williams, president and CEO of Swancoat Investments Ltd., which will support tree planting and forest health at the park, according to a news release.

The conservancy said the funds will be used to support the planting and establishment of 200 new trees annually over three years, as well as providing resources to support tree care and maintenance.

The park will add flowering varieties of hawthorn, crab apple, cherry, plum, pear, mountain ash and lilac trees in key locations across the park, according to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

The nonprofit organization responsible for the park’s operation noted that the tree planting got underway this fall.

“I grew up just across the street from Assiniboine Park, so it’s always been a special place for me and a source of inspiration and peace,” Williams said in a news release.

“Knowing this gift will help the park thrive and offer lasting beauty, comfort, and connection to others for years to come is deeply meaningful and brings me great joy.”

The Manitoba philanthropist was a founding member of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and one of the first major donors to support the park’s redevelopment campaign that launched in 2019, according to the news release.

The conservancy has also launched a limited-time fundraising challenge, in which every donation to the Trees for Tomorrow Fund from now until the end of the year will be matched by Williams, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000.

The announcement coincides with National Tree Day.