Urban Reforestation and Biodiversity Enhancement Initiative

Approximately 2,200 new trees are being planted in parks and open spaces between fall 2021 and spring 2024, in alignment with the City's Urban Forest Management Strategy. Two classifications of trees are being planted to suit the different areas of our parks and open spaces: Caliper trees, larger at time of planting, are more appropriate for formal park spaces; Container trees, smaller at time of planting, are better suited for the pockets of space associated with natural, less-formal park areas.

In June 2021, the City received $1.7M in provincial and federal funding for our Urban Reforestation and Biodiversity Enhancement Initiative (URBEI) as part of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) - COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS). This funding, which will cover the cost of the current tree-planting, works towards increasing canopy cover to 27% City-wide.

For further information on the long-term plan to protect and enhance the urban forest, check out the city's Urban Forest Management Strategy.

Phase 1: Planting Locations and Schedule

Establishing locations within parks and open spaces for new tree planting includes consideration of existing utility infrastructure, recreational activities and park programs. With appropriate planting locations and species selection, we can maximize the long-term benefits of new trees towards climate resilience and adaptability, and create a more livable community for future generations. Phase 1 is complete as of spring 2025, read the press release announcement here.

Locations included:

• Grimston Park; Old Schoolhouse Park
• Ryall Park; Thompson's Landing Park
• Port Royal Park; Red Boat Park; Sukh Sagar Park; Lookout Greenspace; Riverside Adventure Park; Simcoe Park; Tipperary Park; Terry Hughes Park; Mott Crescent Triangle; Jackson Triangle; Victory Heights Park; Sapperton Triangle
• Queen's Park; City Hall Front Lawn; Sullivan Park
• Moody Park; Hume Park; West Side Off-Leash Area; Westburnco; Riverside Adventure Park; Sinclair Park; Connaught Heights Park; Stanley Trail; Ryall Park; Clinton Place Park; Queen's Park

Phase 2: Planting Locations and Schedule

Phase 2 of the URBEI began in late 2025. Phase 2 is focused on planting 6,000 new trees on streets and boulevards in New Westminster by 2030.