Burnaby residents can now comment on the city's draft urban forest strategy — a document that raised concerns at council last month.
The strategy will lay out how all the trees and forests in Burnaby are managed over the next 15 years, including how to increase the city's tree canopy (the area of the city covered by trees when viewed from above).
But while Metro Vancouver Regional District has set a target of 40 per cent canopy cover by 2050, Burnaby staff say the city likely won't be able to match that target.
Instead, staff are recommending setting the target 25 years after Metro Vancouver's target: 40 per cent canopy cover by 2075.
Councillors asked staff to be cautious about how that extension would affect the city's climate targets, which rely upon increased tree planting, and asked staff to include interim targets and reporting requirements.
Burnaby's urban forest strategy public engagement
Now, the public can also share their thoughts on the draft strategy and learn from staff directly.
The city will hold two open houses.
- Online open house: Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. via Zoom (RSVP to [email protected] by noon on Feb. 4)
- In-person: Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Christine Sinclair Community Centre (3713 Kensington Ave.)
Residents can also complete an online survey until Monday, Feb. 10.
Staff will accept feedback through email at [email protected].
Getting to 40% canopy cover in Burnaby
Burnaby’s canopy cover in 2022 was 32 per cent or 2,900 hectares.
A 40 per cent canopy cover will contribute to "community health and happiness," according to the draft strategy, which notes that trees and forests provide a range of benefits from supporting residents' mental health to regulating natural ecosystems.
The 40 per cent target is "ambitious" for Burnaby, staff said, "because it requires adding almost 700 hectares of tree canopy to the city."
That would be like adding eight Central Parks to the city and about 135,000 medium-sized trees, according to the draft.
And future tree loss also has to be taken into account, whether lost from urban development, natural mortality or tree damage.
The city estimates about 325 hectares, or 11 per cent of Burnaby’s canopy, could be removed over the next 25 years, according to the draft.
But staff noted the city currently does not have enough resources for future planting targets. The parks department will make budget requests through the city's financial planning process.
