Forests and trees capture and store carbon, making them an effective natural climate solution. Trees also clean the air that we breathe, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity and improve human wellbeing. Planting two billion trees over a decade is a vital part of Canada's climate plan, and the Government of Canada is continuing to work with provinces, territories, non-governmental organizations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples.
Today, Adam van Koeverden, Member of Parliament for Milton, on the behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, along with the Halton Region Conservation Authority (HRCA) and Trees for Halton Hills, announced a joint investment of more than $1.6 million for two projects that will see more than 122,345 trees planted across Halton Region.
Over the course of two years, the HRCA and Trees for Halton Hills will work to increase the urban tree canopy across the region. The HRCA will plant 120,020 trees across the region watershed, including conservation and park lands, municipal lands and private lands. The planting will support restoration efforts in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including urban creeks and wetlands, retired farmland and forested areas. Trees for Halton Hills will plant 2,145 trees, undertake four community planting events and work with partners from school boards, municipalities and local businesses to plant caliper trees - older trees with trunks at least four cm in diameter - in outdoor learning classrooms.
The Government of Canada's 2 Billion Trees program is helping to clean the air, keep neighbourhoods cool in the summer, create jobs and fight climate change while protecting nature. Since the program was launched in 2021, Canada has planted over 100 million trees, exceeding program expectations. This means that the 2BT program is on track toward its ultimate goal - planting 2 billion trees over 10 years.
