Urban Forest Strategy

First seen: March 17, 2026

Last seen: March 17, 2026

Lifecycle Timeline

March 17, 2026Council

Request for Decision - Urban Forest Strategy Adoption and Canopy Cover Targeting

Council voted to adopt a plan to protect and grow the town's tree cover, setting a target of 30% coverage.

"Consultant Tyler Searles and Ivan Leung presented scenarios for canopy growth. View Royal is currently at 29% urban canopy cover (60% overall including parks). Reaching 40% would require quadrupling municipal tree inventory and cost $1.7M annually. Council focused on the 30% target as a sustainable first step to reverse current tree loss. Concerns were raised about tax impacts, though staff clarified costs would scale gradually through 2046. Council ultimately adopted the strategy with a 30% target."

Formal MotionPassed

0:00

"THAT the Urban Forest Strategy be adopted with a canopy cover target of 30 percent, with an emphasis on maintaining existing trees and increasing residential involvement."

Moved by: Gery Lemon

Seconded by: John Rogers

Sid Tobias

Gery Lemon

John Rogers

Damian Kowalewich

Ron Mattson

Don Brown

Alison MacKenzie