Civic Works Committee Meeting – Apr 30,2024
Diversity makes our urban forest more resilient. A concerned Londoner speaks to the Civic Works Committee about an alternative tree planting strategy for Harris Park, asking for more diversity and a wooded area on the north end to provide a shaded area.
City staff indicated that plans for the tree replacements for Harris Park are too far along
to change now.
I would like to see if there is a possibility to further diversify the tree species.
Councillor Ferreria (Video Timestamp 53:09)
We welcome feedback at anytime. Based on public feedback “we have mixed up the number of trees, we haven’t
Paul Yeoman – Director, Parks and Forestry (Video Timestamp 54:15)
changed the actual species. We do think that is appropriate for (this area of) the park… there are locations within the park where we hope to plant species that are a bit more diverse that are appropriate for those locations in the future.
I think there are a number of opportunities where we can actually formalize the introduction of increased species throughout the city. We have the urban tree planting strategy coming up and we have the urban forest review coming up and there are a number of opportunities where we can have some engagement about the mix of trees.
Kelly Shear – Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure (Video Timestamp 54:15)
NOTE: The Urban Forestry Strategy (UFS) was adopted by Council in 2014. It identified 95 actions intended to advance additional tree planting, aid in the retention of existing trees, improve tree and forest maintenance, and generate community engagement. Over the past 10 years, UFS actions have
produced a substantially increased level of tree planting
diversified the species composition of the urban forest,
improved the health and long-term benefits of City-owned tree assets, and increased London’s overall canopy cover.
Based on funding provided to advance the UFS and the prioritization of implementation efforts, 73% of UFS actions have been achieved, partially achieved or are in progress nearing completion.
Watch the entire discussion in meeting at the “London Ontario City Council” Youtube channel
Moved by Councillor Ferreira and seconded by Councillor Hopkins that the communication and verbal delegation with respect to tree planting for Harris Park be received and be referred to the future work of the Tree Planting Strategy for consideration as part of that process.
Read the written communication HERE
A number of key forestry issues are provided in the Urban Planting Strategy report, including:
the effects of Climate change on the urban forest
improving tree outcomes for new development
woodland management
efforts to increase tree maintenance
future challenges with nursery stock supply
Should the City’s strategy be updated to ensure there is some adequate diversity of tree species in each park or just generally across the City?
In a climate emergency is the City doing enough to protect existing trees or does development always get prioritized?
Is the City doing a good job in communicating to the public when certain trees need to be removed?
Are there things the City should be doing to encourage more tree planting on private land?