Timeframe to achieve the City’s Tree Canopy Goals has been revised

The City of Toronto’s Parks and Environment Committee’s primary focus, according to the City of Toronto website, “is the natural environment, with a mandate to monitor, and make recommendations on the sustainable use of Toronto’s natural environment.”

An item entitled PE17.1 Core Service Review – Revising the Timeframe to achieve the City’s Tree Canopy Goals was considered by the committee on November 9, 2012 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on November 27, 2012.

You can read the full document at the above-noted link. Here are the key points:

The Parks and Environment Committee recommends that:

City Council approve the revised Urban Forestry Service Plan, conditional on funding availability, that will extend the timeframe to fully implement the financial and service delivery strategy to achieve the City’s tree canopy goals by seven (7) years.

Decision Advice and Other Information

The Parks and Environment Committee referred the proposed Consolidated Funding Plan outlined in the report (September 28, 2012) from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to the 2013 operating budget process for consideration.

Origin

September 28, 2012) Report from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation

Summary

The purpose of this report is to respond to City Council’s request that a review of the Urban Forestry Service Plan be conducted and that a report with recommended changes to extend the timeframe to achieve the City’s tree canopy goals be submitted to the Parks and Environment Committee. This report presents a revised financial strategy which when implemented, will contribute to the achievement of a healthy, diverse and sustainable urban forest.

The consolidated funding proposed takes into consideration the financial pressures resulting from the management of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), and will extend the timeframe to implement the Service Plan by seven (7) years, from 2016 to 2023. From 2013 to 2019 resources will be diverted to manage EAB. Focus on implementing the Service Plan will begin in 2017 as EAB subsides. This funding strategy will enable Urban Forestry to maintain the 2011 service levels for the next four years while providing Urban Forestry with the resources to implement the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) strategy.

This report also responds to Parks and Environment Committee’s request that staff report back on replenishing or adding money to the Environment Protection Reserve Fund – Tree Canopy Allocation XR1718. The Environment Protection Reserve Fund was established to provide one-time funding only, towards enhancement and protection of the City’s tree canopy. Urban Forestry does not have the means to replenish the Environment Protection Reserve Fund.

Background Information

(September 28, 2012) Report from the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation – Core Service Review – Revising the timeframe to achieve the City’s tree canopy goals

[The background document refers to the benefits of a healthy urban tree canopy.]

Communications

(November 9, 2012) E-mail from Franz Hartmann, Executive Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance (PE.New.17.1.1)

Speakers

Franz Hartmann, Executive Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance (Submission Filed)