With a little help from the federal government, more trees are set to grow in West Vancouver in areas that will hopefully shade residents from the effects of climate change.
On March 19, the federal government announced that the district is one of three communities to receive grants through the Natural Infrastructure Fund, with the aim of increasing natural resilience and protecting local environments.
The news came amid a federal funding blitz last week – which included $49 million toward a new hydrogen facility in North Van – ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s call for a snap election on Sunday.
West Van has received $326,600 from Ottawa for its urban forest management plan.
In a statement, the district said the funds would allow 500 trees of various species to be planted, including in high-density areas, and along streets and slopes. Doing so will provide shade, while minimizing runoff and erosion during heavy rainfall by absorbing excess water, the district said.
District aiming for 52% tree canopy cover
The municipality has put in $81,650 of its own cash toward the planting effort, to support the district’s target of 52-per-cent tree canopy cover included in the urban forest plan’s 15-year vision.
Thanking the federal government for its support, Mayor Mark Sager said urban forests are essential to his community’s character, health and well-being.
“Healthy trees and resilient forests have helped our community mitigate and adapt to climate change, with benefits of this work including rainwater management, slope stabilization, shading and cooling of our creeks and streets, storing carbon to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and providing habitat for wildlife,” he said. “By planting healthy trees that are resilient to the changing climate, we will continue to enhance our urban forest to deliver benefits across this beautiful community."
The new trees will be planted on both private and public lands, including school property, the district said. Locations with low canopy and high heat exposure will be prioritized.
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