E2.3Encourage tree retention and planting on private land

The urban forest is made up of all trees in the city – on public and private land – and the associated vegetation, soils and wildlife. Urban forests offer numerous environmental, social and economic benefits including supporting biodiversity, mitigating urban heat, cleaning the air, improving mental and physical wellbeing and improving stormwater management. The City is aiming to achieve a 30% tree canopy cover by 2038, through actions guided by the Urban Forest Management Strategy. In addition to trees along roadways and on City-owned lands, private properties will have an important role to play in achieving this target and establishing a healthy and resilient urban forest.

Through this action, the City will explore opportunities to encourage tree retention and plantings on private land. This action could include identifying opportunities to plant more trees during building permit processes, expanding the tree sale program, providing tree maintenance education and partnering with local community groups.