Calgary to plant 930,000 new trees to increase urban canopy
Calgary is set to see a massive increase in the number of trees throughout the city.
The City of Calgary made the announcement on Thursday, saying the move is because of an agreement with the federal government as part of their 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program.
The agreement will see Calgary get 930,000 new trees, thanks to nearly $61 million in funding.
The trees will help the city move toward its goal of nearly doubling Calgary's urban canopy – the amount of ground sheltered by branches, leaves and stems from all publicly and privately owned trees – in the next few decades.
As of 2022, Calgary's tree canopy coverage was 8.25 per cent, and the city says the goal is to increase it to 16 per cent by 2060.
"By planting 930,000 new trees, we will provide more shade to cool our streets, increase our biodiversity, more effectively manage stormwater and enhance our collective social and mental wellbeing," said Mayor Jyoti Gondek in a news release.
Kyle Ripley, Calgary's director of parks and open spaces says healthy trees and a thriving urban canopy are invaluable to Calgarians.
"Not only do they offer climate and environmental benefits, but they also improve our mental wellness and create opportunities for community connection in our parks and outdoors.
According to the City of Calgary, more than 200,000 trees and seedlings were planted on public land over the last two years, and 7,500 trees were provided to residents to plant on their property.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hong Kong police issue arrest warrants and bounties for six activists including two Canadians
Hong Kong police on Tuesday announced a fresh round of arrest warrants for six activists based overseas, with bounties set at $1 million Hong Kong dollars for information leading to their arrests.
U.S. president-elect's son shares post on X of Donald Trump buying Canada on Amazon
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and those in his corner continue to send out strong messages about Canada.
What is flagpoling? A new ban on the practice is starting to take effect
Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as 'flagpoling.'
Trudeau sends Christmas greetings. Read his full message
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his Christmas message on Tuesday. Here is his message in full.
Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights
American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive.
Economists say more room to fall as Canadian dollar continues downward trend
Experts say the next few months are going to be rough for the Canadian dollar as it appears set to continue its downward trend.
How much is too much alcohol over the holidays? A doctor explains
The holidays are here, as are the parties, happy hours and other get-togethers that often offer abundant mixed drinks, beer and wine.
The Santa Awards: Ranking the best (and most ridiculous) Father Christmases ever to grace our screens
Behold, for your festive perusal, some of the most beloved, cherished and out-there onscreen renditions of dear old Saint Nick.
Trudeau could stay or go. Either way, Canadians should brace for a spring election
Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year -- whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.