Vaughan recognized as a Tree City of the World
Vaughan’s ongoing commitment to our trees and forests is not going unnoticed! For the fourth consecutive year, the City 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 Council meeting by Mayor Steven Del Duca and 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 introduced an Urban Forest Management Plan in spring 2024. 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 Vaughan’s Urban Forest Management Plan at vaughan.ca/UrbanForest.
QUOTES
“With nearly four million trees across our community, Vaughan is truly a green city. For the fourth consecutive year in a row, Vaughan has been recognized as a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to preserving the city’s natural beauty and protecting our environment to be enjoyed by future generations. Vaughan is home to 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 year-round to ensure our urban forest remains healthy and green. This team goes above and beyond to protect our trees and maintain Vaughan’s natural beauty, and I am pleased that their hard work is being recognized in a big way.”
– Mayor Steven Del Duca
“I am so pleased the City of Vaughan has been recognized as a Tree City of the World for the fourth year in a row. This is an incredible accomplishment and it is a testament to our staff’s dedication to maintaining and caring for Vaughan’s beautiful urban canopy. I want to thank the Urban Forestry team who worked tirelessly this past year to not just achieve our environmental sustainability goals through the Urban Forestry Management Plan – but to surpass them. Congratulations to all on this well-earned distinction.”
– Emilie Alderman, 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 fourth 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.
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