New Plan Coming for Sechelt's Urban Forest

Growing a Greener Future: Sechelt Secures Grant for Urban Forest Plan

Sechelt is set to increase trees throughout the community thanks to a grant worth $94,600 to create a plan that will protect and grow the urban forest. 

"An Urban Forest is the total collection of trees and associated plants growing in a community and includes trees in parks and yards, along roadways and paths, and on public and private land," said Andrew Allen, Director of Planning and Development. “Whenever we go out to engage with the public, one of the topics that seems to always come up, no matter the subject matter, is trees. We know trees are important to people and we're excited to be able to speak with residents about their vision for this plan.” 

The new urban forest plan will reflect current community priorities, best practices, research and the realities of climate change. The plan will include:

• Community engagement
• Updated GIS mapping of current tree canopy coverage
• Updated tree species planting list to reflect drought, biodiversity and climate resilience
• A monitoring framework with clear, measurable targets

“An urban forest plan connects with future decisions we make with parks, public space and land use policies in the Official Community Plan, “ says Allen. 

The last urban forest plan for Sechelt was completed in 2010 but did not include public input. Sechelt will put out a request for proposal this fall for work to commence in early 2027. 

Funding comes from Growing Canada’s Community Canopies, an initiative financed by the Government of Canada and administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.