Burnaby resident Ken Shinozaki’s record-breaking act of generosity is helping to launch a new City of Burnaby program designed to ensure Burnaby’s parks and green spaces continue to grow for generations to come.
Shinozaki, who was awarded the Kushiro Cup in 2024 as Burnaby’s Citizen of the Year, donated $500,000 to support tree planting efforts in Burnaby parks, including $350,000 for the planting of more than 150 new trees at Central Park. The new trees will enhance one of the City’s most popular parks and contributing to our long-term efforts to grow and protect the urban forest.
"As Burnaby continues to grow, protecting and enhancing our urban forest is more important than ever," said Mayor Mike Hurley. "This remarkable contribution will benefit our community for generations to come, while helping advance the goals of Burnaby's Urban Forest Strategy. We are grateful to Ken for his ongoing generosity and commitment to our community."
Mayor Hurley, members of Council and Shinozaki announced the donation at a ceremony at Central Park on August 7. The event also marked the launch of the Green Legacy Challenge, a community fundraising initiative that will support the next phase of the project: forest restoration at Halifax Park.
"Burnaby's parks and natural areas have given so much to our community over the years," said Shinozaki. "I hope this contribution inspires others to get involved and support the growth and restoration of Burnaby's parks and forests."
The Green Legacy Challenge is supported by Shinozaki’s $150,000 donation and aims to reach a goal of $300,000 through the community matching campaign to restore the forested area at Halifax Park.
Together, these projects will help grow and protect Burnaby’s urban forest, creating cooler, greener and more resilient neighbourhoods while enhancing quality of life for residents now and for generations to come.
Learn more: Burnaby.ca/GreenLegacy