Laval mayor Gilles Vaillancourt and friends at the 2007 'One Birth, One Tree' celebration.
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
The Ville Laval 'One Birth, One Tree' program
An investment for future generations
About 400 Laval families brought their newborns to city hall recently where they were warmly received by Laval mayor Gilles Vaillancourt at the 2007 'One Birth, One Tree' celebration.
The families, whose common link was the birth of a child between May 2006 and May 2007, each received a Lilac seedling (Syringa Reticulata) as a gift from the city.
"The environment is at the heart of what we hold precious in our city," Mr. Vaillancourt stated, reiterating a long-standing commitment to values that he said characterize Laval and its people.
"The (One Birth, One Tree) program is becoming more and more popular each year and its success bodes well for future generations who will benefit from the planting of these trees on Laval island," the mayor explained, adding that trees play a crucial role in the protection of the environment.
Accrued benefits and other gifts
The long-term effects of the planting of these trees are many and varied. In fact, it is proven that tree foliage collects dust and germs, removing them from the air we breathe.
In addition, a single tree in bloom can absorb up to 5 tons of carbon gas and release up to 100 kilograms of oxygen through the process of photosynthesis.
In a parallel service to the 'One Birth, One Tree' program, all Laval municipal libraries are offering families with newborns a gift package that includes a hard-cover book from the Dominique Compagnie series, a reading guide and an issue of the Enfants-Québec magazine (while quantities last). The gift package can be obtained free of charge when parents register a child before his or her first birthday.
For more information on these and other programs geared for children, you can contact Laval city hall at (450) 978-8000 or at
www.ville.laval.qc.caPhoto:Birth
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Météo: Laval, 18 juillet 2008 / 22°C
/ Faible averse de pluie
/ Vents: 22 Km/h / Humidité relative: 83 % 
Steven Guilbeault - Chronique environnement
Richard Cléroux - Le fouineur politique
