Belleville has a new policy to protect and grow its tree canopy – sparked by some free advice.
The policy stemmed from provincial legislation, and a study spearheaded by consultant Ruth Ferguson Aulthouse at no cost to the city.
In 2018, RFA Planning Ltd completed “Urban Forest Study of the City of Belleville. “
The idea is to protect and enhance the current trees within the city.
Also, the city will develop a long term Tree Planting Program.
Last week, city council adopted the recommendation for the tree canopy and natural vegetation that will satisfy the province’s Bill 68 provisions and protect the current tree canopy, with an aim to increase and enhance it.
When development is considered, the municipality will apply creative planning approaches designed to protect the tree canopy.
The list of benefits of the urban forest include improving interest in retail business, increase in property values and improvement in the marketability of the city.
In his report to council, General Manager of Transportation and Operational Services Joe Reid says funding consideration for the program will be presented to council this week, during the operating budget deliberations.
Reid says there will be very little budgetary impact in the short term, but consideration should be given to the increasing costs associated with trees and natural vegetation maintenance as the city’s tree canopy “branches out.”
