Project Summary N-074: Urban forestry strategy
Expansion of project scope to meet 35% and 40% canopy cover targets.
Project Summary
Priority: Strategic
Public Engagement: Collaborate
Project Name: Urban forestry strategy
Project Code: 1-2-07100-615 CC310-14
Submitted by: Ivan Leung, Director Ivan Leung, Parks
Executive Summary
$22K lift approved at the regular meeting of Council on February 17, 2026. Staff were directed to expand the scope of the UFS by developing programming that would be consistent with 35% and 40% canopy cover target programming. This is currently outside of the project consultant’s scope of work.
The task to develop the additional modelling, prepare financial and operational forecasts, ground truth and fact check the program with comparable programs from other local governments, and to consolidate the findings into the UFS, will require an additional $22,000 (net of GST).
Business problem and opportunity
Urban forests play an important role in contributing to environmental integrity and climate change. Urban forests reduce our carbon footprint by sequestering carbon, filter air and water, protect watersheds, create shade, provide habitat, and slow wind and stormwater. Urban forests contribute to the social well-being by providing healthy and enjoyable recreation opportunities, moderating local climate, shading homes and businesses to conserve energy. The development of an urban forest strategy will provide a long-term sustainable approach to managing our forest in the Town of View Royal.
Proposed project objectives
- To obtain additional funds for the Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) resulting from additional work not in the original scope of the project;
- To obtain approval for staff to proceed with submitting grant funds to kickstart the UFS program.
Business risks
Understanding the current inventory and recognizing the impacts of development in the community and how it affects the urban forest is integral to creating a sustainable valued community asset.
Proposed sources of funding
Casino revenue
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Operational | 22,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22,000 |
| Total | 22,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22,000 |
| Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Tangible | |
| Intangible |
Recommendation
THAT the Committee recommend the 2026-2030 Financial Plan include Urban forestry strategy in 2026 to be funded by Casino revenue.