Winnipeg, MB – Last year, the Million Tree Challenge was launched as a way to encourage Winnipeggers to help plant a million new trees as our population grows towards one million people over the coming decades.
“Winnipeg’s tree canopy is a great source of pride for our community,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “One of the easiest ways to combat climate change is to simply plant a tree. The Million Tree Challenge aims for a net expansion of our tree canopy that would go beyond the replacement of existing trees and those lost to age and disease.”
Approximately 50,000 trees need to be planted each year over the coming decades to reach the goal of a million trees.
The preliminary 2020-2023 multi-year balanced budgets build on this effort by making the protection and enhancement of our trees a priority. It is proposed that the operating budget for tree planting, pruning, and Dutch Elm Disease Control be increased from $11.8 million in 2019 to $12.5 million in 2023, an increase of 6%.
Over $25 million is proposed for capital investment in the Urban Forest Enhancement Program and Reforestation Improvements over the four year period. This represents an increase of almost $10 million or 60% from the previous four year period.
“As Winnipeg continues to grow toward a million people, efforts that address environmental sustainability will continue to be a focus,” said Mayor Bowman. “These proposed investments would help support our tree canopy, a priority for many Winnipeggers.”