It’s about protecting trees in the city and keeping the city’s forests healthy for the next 30 years.
Coquitlam is set to put a maximum of $115,000 toward crafting an urban forest strategy, according to a recently issued request for proposals.
The city is looking for a company to develop a city-wide strategy for tree retention, ecosystem health, and public safety as well as dealing with the impacts of climate change. The plan, which would require council approval, could also inform Coquitlam’s policy for managing trees on private land.
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As of 2014, the city’s tree canopy covered about 40 percent of the city.
“It is expected that there has been some reduction since that measurement,” the RFP stated, noting rapid growth and “unavoidable impacts from development on the urban forest and canopy cover.”
The strategy should offer a way to “maintain or enhance canopy cover” through tree planting strategies. The selected company should also examine: “potential ‘in-lieu’ contribution funds” from developers to protect the urban forest.
Following community engagement and consultation with Kwikwetlem First Nation, a draft of the plan is set to be submitted to council by the spring of 2024.
That report is set to include an analysis of the city’s current canopy cover on public and private land, as well as impacts to that canopy expected due to projected growth under the city’s official community plan.
The draft is also set to look at way to “improve bureaucratic or ineffectual practices,” and possible incentives for property owners.
The final strategy is due on or before late-summer 2024.
