Winnipeg boosts tree canopy in budget

One nonprofit is applauding the city for giving Winnipeg's tree canopy a boost in its 2024 budget.

“I think the budget has been very positive for Winnipeg's urban canopy,” said Christian Cassidy, executive director of Trees Winnipeg.

Cassidy's comments came after the City of Winnipeg released its proposed budget on Wednesday.

As part of the four-year budget, Winnipeg is looking to increase its urban forestry budget by 45 per cent to help the city meet its deforestation goals more quickly. In 2026 and 2027, more funding will go towards supporting the faster planting strategy.

“The City Council is willing to put its money where its mouth is,” Cassidy said in an interview Saturday.

“This year there was an increase of 5 million dollars for trees. A new urban forest strategy – a 20-year urban forest plan – was adopted by the city council. Both of these are huge, significant increases before this budget.”

With the new budget, Cassidy explained that the first few years will focus on maintenance, including pruning, tree removal and care for damaged trees.

Then, in 2026 and 2027, there will be a multi-million dollar increase in tree planting.

“Could it be more money?” “Of course, there's always more money, but you know, it's a very difficult situation for the city this year in terms of revenue,” he said.

“There are a lot of other services that are struggling for extra money or struggling for any money at all, so we're very happy that they're putting their money where their mouth is.”

More information about Winnipeg's proposed budget can be found online.

– With files from CTV's Daniel Halmarson, Devon McKendrick and Jeff Kiley.