New Westminster – The City of New Westminster was recently awarded $50,000 by Tree Canada to participate in their 2022 National Greening Program. The Program funds mass seedling plantings across Canada where there is a need for reforestation or afforestation to help contribute to a future with cleaner air, soil and waterways.

The funding will be used to plant 25,000 native tree and plant seedlings in four of New Westminster’s natural areas in 2022. Starting February 22, 2022, approximately 12,000 seedlings will be planted within forested areas in the north and south portions of Queen’s Park. The remaining 13,000 seedlings will be planted in Hume Park and Glenbrook Ravine in late August/early September. A network of designated walking trails will be maintained in these areas.

“With the funding from Tree Canada the City of New Westminster will be able to make substantial progress in achieving our climate action goal to increase the city’s tree canopy cover from 18% to 27% by 2030,” said Mayor Jonathan X. Coté. “This project will provide ecological and community benefits and will preserve our valued forests for decades to come.”

Many of the trees in the city’s natural areas are of similar age and species which could leave a significant gap in the tree canopy if they all reach end-of-life within the same timeframe. Planting diverse seedlings in natural areas today not only improves biodiversity, soil health, and air quality, but also ensures there are forests for future generations to explore and enjoy.

“The trees and green spaces in New Westminster are part of the unique identity of our city,” said Dean Gibson, Director of Parks and Recreation. “This initiative is one of the many ways we are working to create a legacy for a sustainable future.”

To learn more about this project, please visit www.newwestcity.ca/reforestation 

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Media Contacts:

Erika Mashig
Manager Parks & Open Space Planning, Design and Construction
City of New Westminster
604-527-4530 or