Burnaby is seeking public input on its draft urban forest strategy, a plan outlining the management of the city's trees and forests over the next 15 years. While the city aims for a 40% tree canopy cover, it has set a target of 2075 due to resource constraints and potential future tree loss.
Burnaby residents now have the opportunity to provide input on the city's draft urban forest strategy, a plan that generated discussion at the council meeting last month. This strategy outlines the management of all trees and forests within Burnaby over the next 15 years, encompassing plans to expand the city's tree canopy —the area covered by trees when viewed from above.
While Metro Vancouver Regional District has set a target of 40 percent canopy cover by 2050, Burnaby staff believe the city may not be able to achieve this goal. Instead, staff propose setting a target of 40 percent canopy cover for 2075, 25 years after Metro Vancouver's target. Council members urged staff to carefully consider the implications of this extension on the city's climate targets, which heavily rely on increased tree planting. They requested that staff incorporate interim targets and reporting requirements within the strategy. To gather public perspectives and foster community engagement, the city will host two open houses and an online survey accessible until Monday, February 10th. Residents can also share their feedback via email at [email protected]Currently, Burnaby's canopy cover stands at 32 percent, covering 2,900 hectares. Achieving the 40 percent target would significantly benefit community well-being and happiness, according to the draft strategy. Trees and forests provide numerous advantages, from supporting mental health to regulating natural ecosystems. The 40 percent goal is considered ambitious for Burnaby, as it necessitates adding approximately 700 hectares of tree canopy—equivalent to incorporating eight Central Parks or 135,000 medium-sized trees. The city also anticipates potential tree loss over the next 25 years due to urban development, natural mortality, or damage, estimating a loss of around 325 hectares, representing 11 percent of Burnaby's canopy. However, staff acknowledge that the city currently lacks sufficient resources to meet future planting targets. The parks department will submit budget requests through the city's financial planning process
Urban Forest Tree Canopy Climate Targets Public Engagement Burnaby
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