Plan in works to grow Hamilton's 'green infrastructure'

Thespec.com
Sept. 27, 2017
By Carmela Fragomeni

Trees have been called the lungs of the earth for purifying the air. They are said to reduce flooding and erosion. They improve water quality and provide habitats for wildlife.

And they enhance good mental health.

"A lot of studies show people feel better if they are looking at trees," said Cathy Plosz, natural heritage planner with the city.

So Hamilton is about to embark on forming an ambitious strategy to increase Hamilton's urban tree canopy from less than 18 per cent to 30 per cent.

In 2009, the most recent city statistics, the canopy was about 18.75 per cent, said Steve Robinson, Hamilton's supervisor of forest health.

And that was before the emerald ash borer beetle rained down destruction on thousands of city trees, so the canopy is now likely far less than 18 per cent, he says.

The main goal of the strategy is to get a better understanding of the urban forest and how to maintain and enhance it, said Plosz. It will include trees on both public and private properties.

"We know trees are under a lot of stress. It (the strategy) is particularly urgent now," she said, with climate change, development pressures, and the invasive emerald ash borer beetle's sustained attack on trees.

Robinson said canopy coverage is only part of the goal of a strong urban forest. The strategy would also aim to understand the quality of our trees and where best to plant what species.

"Planting more trees is always great, but planting in the right place is better," he said.

Robinson calls our urban forest "green infrastructure" because the trees absorb storm water and filter air particulates.

There are currently about 140,000 trees within city road allowances, and an estimated 150,000 in city parks and cemeteries. The figures don't include the naturalized areas like the Niagara Escarpment and Dundas Valley, Robinson said.

The strategy, he said, will include ensuring tree biodiversity, comprehensive pest management, and industry-leading tree care.

In creating the strategy, the city will review everything from the "mosaic" of different tree-cutting bylaws from preamalgamation days, to how best to link the forests of the escarpment, Dundas Valley and Cootes Paradise in the urban area, Plosz said.

Plosz said Hamilton is uniquely lucky to have those forests. "We have a lot to work with," she said.

Tree enthusiasts and environmentalists couldn't be happier with the prospect of an urban forest strategy.

"We're excited that it's finally happening," said Jen Baker with the Hamilton Naturalists Club. "We're one of the last municipalities in southern Ontario to have one."

Baker could only speculate why that is, but said "we're just happy it's happening."

The consultant and city staff will be looking for public feedback and input from environmental groups and agencies before formulating the strategy.

Council approved $150,000 last year to hire a consultant to lead the way.

The strategy is expected to be completed in 2019.

The bidding on the city's request for proposals for a consultant has garnered two bids to consider.