Calgary’s urban tree canopy is to receive a nearly $61m funding boost following an agreement between the City of Calgary and the Government of Canada as part of its 2 Billion Trees (2BT) programme.
The funding will result in 930,000 new trees planted in the city, helping to maximise canopy expansion and provide equitable access for all Calgarians.
Nature-Based Climate Solutions
The 2BT programme, which is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to plant two billion trees through a broader approach to nature-based climate solutions, aims to help motivate and support new tree planting projects across Canada.
“This partnership with the federal government marks a significant step forward to enhancing Calgary’s tree canopy. By planting 930,000 new trees, we will provide more shade to cool our streets, increase our biodiversity, more effectively manage stormwater and enhance our collective social and mental wellbeing,” said mayor Jyoti Gondek.
The City is actively working to grow Calgary’s tree canopy coverage from 8.25 per cent (as measured in 2022) to 16 per cent by 2060, and over the last two years has planted over 200,000 trees and seedlings on public land and provided 7,500 trees to residents to plant on their property. This funding will support the Urban Forest Canopy Expansion project which aims to plant the additional trees across various municipal sites over five seasons with a targeted completion in March 2029.
“Trees clean the air we breathe, make our urban spaces more enjoyable, provide new habitats for wildlife and help us adapt to our changing climate while also mitigating its impacts,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources.
“The funding will play an important role in bringing these benefits to Calgarians and will help achieve our federal government’s ambitious goal of planting two billion trees over a decade. Through this project, we are showing how collaborative work can ensure that the right tree is planted at the right place at the right time for the benefit of all Canadians.”
The funds will be allocated to enhance the City’s expansion of the urban forest to meet climate goals and the targets set by City Council. The City’s urban forestry goals include diversifying species selection, urban soil remediation, restoring canopy cover and working toward a more equitable distribution of trees across Calgary.
“Healthy trees and a thriving urban canopy are invaluable to Calgarians. Not only do they offer climate and environmental benefits, but they also improve our mental wellness and create opportunities for community connection in our parks and outdoors,” said Kyle Ripley, director of parks and open spaces. “We are incredibly excited to have this opportunity to partner with the Government of Canada through the 2BT programme as we continue to work toward achieving our urban canopy growth goals.”
The 2BT programme is dedicated to working together with provinces, territories, local communities, non- and for-profit organisations, and Indigenous Peoples across the country to ensure that the benefits of tree planting will endure for generations, creating a greener, healthier, and more resilient Canada, especially in the face of changing climate.
