April 9, 2026

As mentioned in previous updates, at Council-in-Committee on March 30, Council received a report for information on the Urban Forestry Strategy. The strategy includes an expansion of tree re-planting requirements for all development sites citywide and implementing a Tree Initiative Program (TIP) that leverages financial contributions from developers to achieve tree planting city-wide when tree planting targets on specific development sites cannot be met on site.

The Draft Implementation Plan includes an action to expand the tree re-planting requirements in the Zoning Bylaw citywide and to establish a TIP to receive contributions from developers when those tree re-planting requirements cannot be fully met on site. The funds collected will ensure these trees are planted elsewhere to maintain the targeted tree density and associated community benefits. The goal of the TIP is to utilize funding as soon as it is available to plant trees annually. 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff.

December 9, 2025

At Council-in-Committee on November 24, Council received a report for information proposing an updated Urban Forestry Management Strategy. The report presented research findings and a proposed approach, with notable items as follows: 

• Implementing a more context-sensitive and flexible approach for canopy targets:
• Seeking opportunities to employ creative planting solutions in high-density areas such as podium levels of towers and parking lots;
• Providing incentives to encourage private property tree planting and care;
• Expanding replacement tree planting requirements for all development sites Citywide, and implementing a Cash-in-Lieu of tree planting system for applicants with extenuating circumstances; and
• Focus on incentive-based tree planting and tree replacement requirements rather than increased regulation. 

More information can be found in the full report by City staff.