Commemorative Park Bench & Tree Program

Plaques for park benches measure 5 cm by 20 cm (2 inches by 8 inches). The size of the plaque cannot exceed these measurements.

Wording for the plaques:

• Must be no more than 60 characters or three to four lines of text.
• Must be respectful and tasteful. 
• Must be approved by the City of Hamilton.

The City may limit the number of plaques dedicated to an individual or group.
Plaque orders take about eight to 10 weeks before they are ready for installation. Installation times may vary based on bench style, availability and weather conditions.

Bench locations

You can request a commemorative bench in eligible parks within the City.

• We cannot place commemorative benches on lands under the ownership or jurisdiction of the Hamilton Conservation Authority, the Royal Botanical Gardens or the School Board.
• We cannot place benches on any streetscape locations or in any of the Business Improvement Areas in the City of Hamilton.

Cost

Vandalism, graffiti, theft and weathering

The following are guidelines around vandalism, graffiti, theft and weathering for commemorative benches:

• If your plaque is vandalized or stolen, the City will pay for one replacement plaque. Additional replacements are the donor’s responsibility.
• We do not refurbish benches on a regular schedule. The bench remains in place for the lifecycle of the bench, up to 10 years. The bench is removed when it becomes unsafe or unusable. When the bench is removed we attempt to return the plaque to the original donor. 

Plaques for tree donations measure 15 cm by 20 cm (6 inches by 8 inches).

Wording for the plaques:

• Must be no more than 10 lines of text.
• Must be respectful and tasteful. 
• Must be approved by the City of Hamilton.

The City of Hamilton may limit the number of plaques dedicated to an individual or group.
Plaque orders take about eight to10 weeks before they are ready for installation. Installation times may vary based on bench style, availability and weather conditions. 

Tree locations

You can purchase a commemorative tree for eligible parks within the City of Hamilton.

• We cannot place trees on lands under the ownership or jurisdiction of the Hamilton Conservation Authority, the Royal Botanical Gardens or the School Board.
• We cannot place trees on any streetscape locations or in any of the Business Improvement Areas in the City of Hamilton.

Cost

The cost for a commemorative tree is as follows:

• Tree donation without plaque - $500
• Tree donation with plaque - $1,000

Vandalism, graffiti, theft and weathering

The following are guidelines around vandalism, graffiti, theft and weathering for commemorative trees:

• If your plaque is vandalized or stolen, the City will pay for one replacement plaque. Additional replacements are the donor’s responsibility.
• If the tree dies it we remove it.  When the tree is removed we attempt to return the plaque to the original donor.

Here are the steps to take to donate a park bench or tree:

1. Ensure that the park you are requesting is eligible for the program by checking the “Parks and trails not eligible for bench or tree locations” tab below, or contact us by phone at 905-546 -2424 ext 7734 or email combench@hamilton.ca.

2. The requested park location must be approved by City staff before application is submitted. Once approved fill out the:

• Commemorative Bench Order Form (PDF, 297 KB)
• Commemorative Tree Order Form (PDF, 229 KB)
• Commemorative Plaque Order Form (PDF, 536 KB)

3. Submit the application form by mail along with your payment. Pricing for each item is found within the order forms.

By mail:
City of Hamilton
77 James St. N., Suite 400
Hamilton, Ontario L8R 2K3
Attention Gina Fabello, Administrative Secretary
Commemorative Bench & Tree ProgramParks and Cemeteries
Public Works Department

The following parks and trails are some of the locations that are not eligible for bench or tree donations.