Vaughan recognized as a Tree City of the World
For the third consecutive year, the City of Vaughan has been recognized as a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
This designation – which acknowledges Vaughan as a green city, dedicated to fostering a sustainable and healthier environment – was celebrated during a special ceremonial presentation at today’s Committee of the Whole Working Session by Members of Council.
The Tree Cities of the World program recognizes municipalities committed to ensuring urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed and celebrated. The Arbor Day Foundation’s goal is to connect cities around the world in a new network dedicated to sharing and adopting the most successful approaches to managing community trees and forests.
To become a Tree City of the World, a community must meet five core standards that illustrate a strong commitment to caring for its trees and forests, including:
establishing responsibility for the caring of trees.
setting rules to govern the management of trees.
maintaining an updated inventory of local tree resources.
allocating resources for tree management.
celebrating achievements for trees.
The City recognizes the significant role the urban canopy plays in providing an improved quality of life.
Trees provide oxygen; improve mental and physical health; provide shelter for insects, birds and other animals; and provide shelter and food for humans and animals, like fruits and nuts. They also cool the air, save water, reduce noise pollution, capture stormwater runoff and beautify the community!
Furthering its commitment to preserving Vaughan’s trees, the City has developed its first-ever Urban Forest Management Plan (PDF), which was presented during today’s Working Session. The plan includes:
a long-term vision to manage the urban forest.
a financial analysis to guide implementation.
goals, recommendations and targets to achieve the vision.
information on the current state of Vaughan’s urban forest.
By preserving and protecting our trees, the City can achieve its commitment to maintaining and enhancing the urban forest and the environment.
Learn more about the Urban Forest Management Plan at vaughan.ca/UrbanForest.
QUOTE(S)
“On behalf of the City of Vaughan and Members of Council, we are pleased to be recognized as a 2023 Tree City of the World. This marks our third consecutive year receiving this recognition, which underscores Vaughan’s unwavering commitment to preserving the city’s natural beauty. Vaughan is blessed with remarkable parks and green spaces, and it is vital for the City to be their biggest champion. I want to thank all the Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations staff who work hard to ensure our urban forest remains healthy and green, as well as the Arbor Day Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for once again acknowledging this team’s tireless efforts.”
Mayor Steven Del Duca
“We are honoured to have Vaughan once again recognized as a Tree City of the World. This achievement comes at a great time, as the Parks, Forestry and Horticulture Operations department presented the City’s first-ever Urban Forest Management Plan today, which will guide our urban forestry decisions on how to best manage and enhance our forest assets. We have spent the last year developing this plan to ensure everyone can enjoy the many environmental, social and economic benefits of trees, now and for generations to come. As we celebrate this significant achievement, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering a sustainable, greener future for our community. Congratulations to the entire Public Works portfolio on this well-earned distinction!”
- Zoran Postic, Deputy City Manager, Public Works
QUICK FACTS
- The Arbor Day Foundation, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has recognized Vaughan as a Tree City of the World.
- This is the third year in a row the City has received this prestigious recognition.
- The Arbor Day Foundation is the world's largest non-profit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. The Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
LEARN MORE
