05/17/2026
Trees planted to honour veterans as part of Memorial Cup in Kelowna
Published 12:30 pm Friday, May 15, 2026
By Jordy Cunningham
Around 135 trees are being planted at Sunset Drive Park to honour Canadian veterans as part of the Memorial Cup festivities.
(Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)
A Hero Forest is being planned as part of the upcoming 106th Memorial Cup to honour Canadian military personnel.
The reforestation effort is being planted at Sunset Drive Park and is led by Canadian non-profit community tree-planting organization Trees For Life and the City of Kelowna and in collaboration with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and Kubota Canada, the Memorial Cup’s title partner.
“The Hero Forest is a powerful and fitting legacy of the 2026 Memorial Cup, creating a lasting space in Kelowna to honour the courage, service, and sacrifice of Canadian veterans,” said CHL president Dan MacKenzie. “Rooted in the origins and meaning of the Memorial Cup, this initiative reflects the values at the heart of our championship event, and we are proud to work alongside Trees For Life, the City of Kelowna, and Kubota Canada to bring it to life in a way that leaves a meaningful and lasting legacy in the host community.”
The public can now make donations to have a tree planted to honour a living or deceased veteran at treesforlife.ca/kubota. A list of those honoured will be available to be viewed on the website as well.
“The Memorial Cup was created as a tribute to Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and this Hero Forest is a meaningful way to carry that legacy forward here in Kelowna,” said Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas. “Through the Trees for Life fundraising campaign, and with the support of corporate sponsors including Kubota Canada, this project shows what is possible when community partners come together around a shared legacy. By creating a living space that honours veterans while restoring urban green space, we are connecting remembrance, environmental stewardship and community pride. This project reflects the values that define Kelowna and ensures the impact of hosting the Memorial Cup will be felt long after the final game.”
The park is expected to gain 130 new trees including trembling aspens, birches, willows and cottonwoods.
Back in April, the city broke ground in the park to remove invasive species and prepare the site.
Ahead of the Memorial Cup’s Championship game on Sunday, May 31, a ceremony will take place at the Hero Forest at 11 a.m.
KTP 2025 - Kelowna Tree Protectors
