A nature-based climate solution, forests and trees contribute to biodiversity, protect and conserve water resources, and lower emissions by capturing and storing excess carbon. In doing so, they clean the air we breathe and help cool urban centres. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to planting two billion trees over 10 years.
Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, and Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi announced $47.8-million in federal funding from the Government of Canada's 2 Billion Trees program. This funding will support the planting of 1.5 million trees in Edmonton and is matched by $47.8 million in municipal funding. The municipal investment is part of the City of Edmonton's $66-million new Greener As We Grow tree-planting project.
Over the next eight years, Edmonton will increase its urban forest canopy by planting approximately 300 hectares in naturalized areas, boulevards, parks and open spaces. The city has a target of having two million trees planted by 2031 as part of its Urban Forest Asset Management goal of achieving 20-percent canopy cover by 2071.
The City of Edmonton will also work with Indigenous leaders, Elders and Knowledge Keepers to ensure the planting of local species is both reflective and supportive of the traditions and cultural practices of local Indigenous peoples and those with historic and cultural connections to the territory.
The 2 Billion Trees program will not only help clean the air and keep neighbourhoods cool in the summer but also create jobs and fight climate change while protecting nature, habitats and biodiversity. By working together with provinces, territories, local communities and Indigenous Peoples, we are building a prosperous, sustainable, and healthy future - for the environment and future generations.
