91原创 Township has planted 1,057 new trees in parks and along streets this year as part of its strategy to increase the local tree canopy.
The update and request for more funding came to council on June 23, along with a report that showed that Murrayville and Aldergrove appear to be getting the largest percentage of new tree planting sites.
In 2022, the council passed the Community Forest Management Strategy, which had a goal of increasing tree coverage in the Township's urban areas from 23 per cent to 30 per cent.
It was anticipated at the time that it would cost about $130,000 a year for a planting strategy.
The report asked council to authorize $133,700 for tree vouchers, which pay for local residents to plant trees on private property. It also asked council to consider up to $250,000 in funding annually between 2026 and 2030.
However, the Township isn't shelling out all the funding for its tree planting projects.
The report notes that in January, the Township received a $1.49-million grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to support tree planting. The grant covers up to 50 per cent of costs for a variety of tree planting projects. The first instalment of $523,250 was received in late March, and further instalments will be coming in April 2027 and March 2028.
In the first and second quarters of this year, the report says, more than 1,000 new trees were planted along streets and in parks throughout the Township. Another 1,000 are expected to be planted between the end of this year and mid-2026.
The Township has actually planted far more than 1,000 trees this year, but the 1,057 is a "net" number that doesn't include replacing dead trees.
A map showing the tree plantings indicates that Murrayville appears to have the largest number of new trees planted, followed by Aldergrove. Walnut Grove, Fort 91原创, and South 91原创 got a few, and there was a small scattering in the Willoughby and Willowbrook neighbourhoods.
According to the report, the tree voucher program allows residents to apply online for a voucher worth up to $350, redeemable at one of two local plant nurseries. The budget was $175,000, enough for 500 vouchers. The program went live on Feb. 25, and there were 517 applications by March 3. A total of 426 vouchers were redeemed over the winter and spring, and 1,104 trees were planted.
Because there is still some money left in the budget, the Township will make another 118 vouchers available on Nov. 1 of this year. Staff recommended the program become an annual one because it was so successful and popular.
Council unanimously approved staff recommendations in the report.
