Winnipeg, MB – The Preliminary 2022 Balanced Budget Update continues to emphasize investments into the protection, enhancement, preservation, and maintenance of Winnipeg’s incredible tree canopy.
“Winnipeggers care about the preservation of our tree canopy and that’s why the Preliminary 2022 Balanced Budget Update reflects that,” said Mayor Brian Bowman.
This year’s Balanced Budget Update proposes an increase of over $4 million of operating funding toward the preservation and maintenance of our tree canopy, bringing the total investment within the operating budget to $31 million over the next two years.
The six-year Capital Investment Plan also proposes $28.6 million investment in the protection and enhancement of the city’s tree canopy.
With threats like Dutch Elm Disease and the Emerald Ash Borer, and especially after the unprecedented weather event in 2019, the City has taken a stronger, more proactive approach on urban forestry management.
The City is also working toward the One Million Tree Challenge, which is targeting one million trees planted on public and private property before Winnipeg reaches one million residents. To this end, the City appreciates the efforts of Tree Canada and Trees Winnipeg in partnering with the City on this ambitious initiative.
“While the City of Winnipeg continues to prioritize investments into the preservation, maintenance, protection, and enhancement of our tree canopy, Winnipeggers can get involved by joining the One Million Tree Challenge,” said Bowman. “I hope as many Winnipeggers as possible will join us as we work together to plant a million new trees before our population reaches a million people.”
For more information on the One Million Tree Challenge, please visit: winnipeg.ca/milliontrees.