‘Leaf’ your mark on the future of Vaughan’s trees
Take an online survey, attend an open house or join a nature walk
Trees beautify our city and enhance the quality of life for the community. They provide a home for animals and shade for people spending time outdoors. These are just some of the reasons we need to carefully plan for and manage them.
To do this, the City of Vaughan is developing an Urban Forest Management Plan – and now we want to hear your input on the draft framework!
For your review is a high-level outline of the Urban Forest Management Plan and Woodland Management Strategy that includes an update on what’s been done to date, what we’ve discovered (canopy and inventory findings, observations and key challenges), what we heard from you in the first phase of the project, and our next steps.
You’re invited to ‘leaf’ your mark on the future of Vaughan’s trees by getting involved in one or more of the following engagement opportunities:
Take the online survey
What are your priorities for Vaughan’s urban forest? Starting today, you can share your feedback on the City’s draft plan by taking an online survey before Friday, June 30. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Read the State of the Urban Forest report
The City’s first-ever State of the Urban Forest report (PDF) is now available online for review. This document contains information, analysis and benchmarking that will be used to inform the actions in the final Urban Forest Management Plan.
Attend an in-person open house
Come by the Woodbridge Room 242 at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr. W.) on Thursday, June 8 anytime from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to learn more about the current state of our urban forest and the framework of the Urban Forest Management Plan. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is encouraged.
Participate in a guided nature walk
Speak directly with the project team during a nature walk on Saturday, June 10 at 10 a.m. at Sugar Baker Bush Woodlot (91 Thornhill Woods Dr.). Staff will speak about the pressures woodland management is facing in Vaughan and the framework of the Urban Forest Management Plan. Registration is encouraged.
What’s next?
The final Urban Forest Management Plan will be presented to Council in fall 2023. The City recognizes the significant role the urban tree canopy plays in providing an improved quality of life. Preserving and protecting healthy trees will help the City achieve its commitment to maintaining and enhancing the urban forest and the environment. This plan aligns with the City’s aim to champion a sustainable community and act as a steward to preserve the natural environment and lead with municipal best practices.
Check out the winners of the Urban Forest Management Plan art contest
Thank you to everyone who submitted their artwork to the Urban Forest Management Plan art contest! Your submissions showcased the beauty and importance of Vaughan trees. We are excited to announce the finalists have been selected, and you can view their artwork on the project webpage. The winning image will be showcased on the cover of the final Urban Forest Management Plan and the second- and third-place winners, along with two honourable mentions, will be featured within the plan.
For more information, visit vaughan.ca/UrbanForest.
For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
