As a result of City Council motion 23-G-207, the 1000 Waterfront Trees capital project was established in 2024 to plant 1000 trees on the waterfront by 2033. The project is funded fully from the Ecological Offsetting Reserve.
Planting Details
The pace of planting is determined by funding and availability of appropriate tree stock.
2024
In 2024, the first year of the Program, 110 trees were planted in Centennial Park and Will Dwyer Park. These parks were identified as the waterfront parks with the most immediate need for increased canopy coverage and shade for the first year of the program. The 2024 tree planting was completed in fall 2024.
2025
The goal for 2025 is to plant 100 trees to enhance the waterfront and to support the survival of the first year’s planting following the March 2025 ice storm. Planting locations for 2025 are to be determined.
Tree Species
A list of fifteen tree species was developed in consultation with Urban Forestry staff to meet multiple performance criteria that will be used to guide the full 1000 tree planting program. The selection of the species considered plant characteristics such as:
- wildlife food and habitat
- shade
- plant hardiness
- floral display
- fall colour
- winter presence
- maintenance requirements
Some of the key species included disease resistant elms, oaks, pines, birches, willows and crabapples. Other- fruit bearing species will continue to be considered in future planting plans. Selecting native species whenever feasible was a priority to enhance environmental resilience. In particular, Sugar Maples were included as per City Council motion 23-G-182, which commits to favouring the planting of native maples whenever a maple tree is called for in any municipal project.
Ensuring Successful Plantings
Newly planted trees are inspected for survival against their warranty for any replacements and receive the regular tree watering program for Centennial Park and Will Dwyer Park. Wire guards are installed to prevent beaver damage. Staff also monitor for pest and disease issues and complete annual spring fertilizing, mulching, and pruning.
