Will Calgary Meet Its Planned Objective Of 9% Tree Canopy Coverage In 2026?
by Stephanie Ho Lem, CHCA Director of Living Green
Having written climate change articles for the past two years for the View and having been a long-time member of the Crescent Heights Planning committee, I am noticing an increase in development permits for fourplexes and secondary suites. What’s sad is that not only are single family homes being torn down, but we’re losing our trees. Older trees are being destroyed that absorb more CO2 than younger trees from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange. Along with this loss is tree canopy. Tree canopies support Calgary’s climate resilience by providing shade and cooling during heat waves, reducing stormwater runoff, and improving air quality. From 2012 to 2022, tree canopy has decreased from 8.51 percent to 8.22 percent.
Immigration has increased in Canada, and Calgary is receiving a number of these immigrants as in-migration from other provinces. The federal government is incentivizing municipalities to increase density and affordability to accommodate. Single family homes in established communities are being replaced with fourplexes and secondary suites. Trees, and especially older trees, are the casualty as new developments are built leaving only 45% of the land for open space. Available amenity space is either cemented for a patio or constructed for a deck.
Calgary is facing challenges in expanding its tree canopy due to tree losses, climate changes, and resource constraints. The city aims to plant 7,500 new trees annually to meet its 9% canopy coverage goal, but current plantings fall short at approximately 5,600 per year. The city needs public support to reduce tree loss on private property.
Why Do We Need to Increase Tree Canopy?
Achieving a 9% tree canopy is significant for several reasons:
Environmental Benefits: Trees improve air quality, reduce urban heat islands, provide habitats for wildlife, and absorb carbon dioxide, helping combat climate change.
Social Benefits: Green spaces enhance community well-being, offering areas for recreation and relaxation, contributing to reduced stress and improved mental health.
Economic Benefits: Trees increase property values and reduce energy costs by providing shade and wind protection.
Increasing density in the inner city, means more and more trees will have to be destroyed. Council has raised concerns about tree canopy loss and has directed city administration to review. A public engagement was conducted and found that 82% of Calgarians and 56% support restrictions, on removing trees on private property. On December 1, 2022, city administration produced a Private Tree Protection Briefing (CD2022-1300). The status quo approach to public and private tree protection will result in a sustained loss of tree canopy over time.
On March 12, 2024, a Notice of Motion was made by Councillors Wong and Chabot re Conservation of Trees on Private Properties (Report No. EC2024-0374). This notice of motion is available online and I suggest everyone review the information.
In response to the Notice of Motion, city administration is expected to report no later than 2025 Q1 on recommendations, budget estimates, and public education and engagement needs through the Community Development Committee.
For the city to meet its goal of 9% tree canopy by 2026, tree protection on private land must become a priority. The city’s Urban Forestry group does not have sufficient funds on an annual basis to plant 7,600 trees. With blanket rezoning, fourplexes and secondary suites will decimate trees on private land. About 66% of trees are on private land.
What is being sacrificed are trees as increasing density with new developments do not have sufficient space to replace the trees that are lost. Tree canopy will continue to decrease. As residents we must support keeping and planting trees on private land.
Please note that the content provided is for informational purposes.
Sources: City of Calgary’s website “Tree Canopy Cover, Urban Forestry Plan and Budget, Notice of Motion Report #EC2024-0374”
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