102,332 trees, shrubs planted under region's greening strategy

By proactively preserving and protecting the natural environment, York Region is providing a range of recreational, environmental and health benefits to the region’s residents

Newmarkettoday.ca
May 6, 2020

The Regional Municipality of York’s 2019 Greening Strategy achievements are delivering significant results and contributing to healthier sustainable communities.

“The 2019 Greening Strategy achievements demonstrate the Region’s leadership in protecting and enhancing the natural environment,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “These achievements set our course for residents to enjoy a high quality of life for generations to come.”

By proactively preserving and protecting the natural environment, York Region is providing a range of recreational, environmental and health benefits to the region’s residents. Key 2019 achievements include:

• Planting 102,332 trees and shrubs and securing an additional nine hectares of environmentally significant lands
• Inspiring residents to take action through 292 Region and partner events for 13,061 participants
• Leveraging an additional $890,000 in funding to deliver successful partnerships with local municipalities, conservation authorities and non-government organizations
• Securing $10 million in funding through Infrastructure Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to support urban tree planting and new woodland creation across York Region over the next eight years
• Delivering on-the-ground actions to contribute to the Regional Official Plan goal of a sustainable natural environment, including increasing woodland cover to 25 per cent by 2031
• Increasing the overall tree canopy cover to 35 per cent by 2031

“The Greening Strategy is innovative yet nimble in creating strong programs and partnerships,” said City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Mario Ferri, Chair of Environmental Services. “These programs provide local cities and towns and residents with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to building sustainable communities.”

New initiatives included a pilot outdoor education program for seniors and preparation of the It’s in our Nature: York Regional Forest 20 Year Forest Management Plan 2019-2038. Refined programs and partnerships increase resident awareness of trees and forests and an uptake in planting.

The Greening Strategy facilitates opportunities to support four action areas: Stewardship and Education, Enhancement and Rehabilitation, Environmental Land Protection and Preservation and Leadership, Innovation and Knowledge. This approach is an important element to increase tree canopy and woodland cover in the Region.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 54,000 businesses with over 650,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices