Project Summary N-074: Urban forestry strategy

Project Summary

Priority: Strategic
Project Name: Urban forestry strategy
Project Number: 1-2-07100-615 CC310-14
Submitted by: I. Leung, Director of Engineering

Executive Summary

This project was included in the 2022-2026 Financial Plan and is currently in progress. The Town of View Royal’s urban forest is a highly valued and diverse asset that is widely recognized and appreciated for the contribution that it makes to our community and to a sustainable environment.

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

The development of an urban forest strategy will allow the Town to:

Monitor tree canopy and develop strategies to mitigate loss.
Develop urban forest guidelines.
Inventory the urban forest.
Integrate the plan with the OCP and climate initiative strategies once they are complete.

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
Operational	82,500	0	0	0	0	82,500
Total	82,500	0	0	0	0	82,500

Benefits
Tangible
Intangible

Recommendation

THAT the Committee recommend the 2024-2028 Financial Plan include urban forestry strategy in 2024 to be funded by Casino revenue.