The City of Calgary is setting down roots—literally and figuratively—with a new initiative to transform its urban landscape through a robust tree-planting campaign. Thanks to a $61 million funding agreement with the Government of Canada under the federal 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program, Calgary plans to plant 930,000 trees over the next five years. The tree-planting project in Calgary is set to wrap up by March 2029 and promises significant environmental, social, and health benefits, especially for underserved neighbourhoods.
The 2BT program supports extensive tree-planting initiatives nationwide to foster biodiversity and provide healthier, more enjoyable green spaces. The federal government’s goal of planting two billion trees across Canada by 2031 addresses urgent environmental needs through partnerships with municipalities, Indigenous groups, and other organizations.
Trees for Impact
In Calgary, the focus isn’t just on the number of trees; it’s on the impact made by the trees.
The city’s current tree canopy coverage hovers around 8.25%, a relatively low figure compared to other major Canadian cities, such as Vancouver and Montreal, where urban tree coverage exceeds 20%. This disparity has highlighted the need for a proactive approach, and city officials have set an ambitious goal to double the canopy to 16% by 2060.
Anyone who lives in Calgary knows that vast areas within the city lack trees, and there is room to grow the leafy canopy.
Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, explained that trees are essential to urban well-being, providing cleaner air, cooler streets, and habitats for wildlife. They’re also effective at absorbing carbon dioxide and providing a more resilient urban environment. Wilkinson emphasized that “the right tree in the right place” can improve the quality of life for all Canadians.
Calgary’s Mayor Jyoti Gondek echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the initiative would create much-needed shade, support biodiversity, improve stormwater management, and offer all residents social and mental health benefits.
Trees Where They Are Needed
One of the key priorities of this initiative is equity. Urban canopy coverage varies widely across Calgary’s neighbourhoods, with some areas falling far below the city average. For instance, neighbourhoods east of Deerfoot Trail, including Ward 5, have historically had lower tree coverage. Ward 5’s representative, Councillor Raj Dhaliwal, plans to advocate for a larger share of the funding allocated to these underserved areas, where additional greenery would provide significant benefits.
Calgary officials plan to consult existing tree-distribution maps to identify areas in need when determining where the 930,000 trees will go.
Kyle Ripley, Calgary’s Director of Parks & Open Spaces, highlighted that healthy trees contribute not only to Calgary’s climate goals but also to the mental and social well-being of the community. “Trees are not just environmental assets but integral to how we build community connections in Calgary’s outdoor spaces,” he noted.
The commitment to Calgary’s green future has already seen progress. Over the past two years, the city has already planted over 200,000 trees on public lands and provided 7,500 trees to residents for planting on private property. The current agreement with the federal government accelerates these efforts, signalling that Calgary is serious about enhancing its urban canopy.
Experts agree that adding trees to our cities has far-reaching benefits. Bev Sandalack, a professor at the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture and Planning, points out that neighbourhoods with ample tree coverage are often more desirable, offering psychological and economic perks alongside climate benefits.
Sandalack encourages the city to look at neighbourhoods that could physically support more trees. Still, she cautions that Calgary must also address neighbourhoods with limited space for trees, where creative solutions—like removing asphalt—may be necessary.
Greening Calgary with Trees
For the city, this program represents more than just planting trees; it’s a move toward a healthier, more inclusive, and climate-resilient urban environment. As Calgary works to meet its canopy coverage goals, its partnership with the federal government under the 2BT program is a collaboration model between local and national entities, showing that Albertans can work with the Feds for mutual benefit.
By the end of this initiative, Calgary’s landscape will be transformed, with greener spaces and shaded streets that reflect a commitment to stewardship and community well-being. With the federal government’s support and local efforts to expand the urban canopy, Calgary has a diverse urban forest that will benefit all of us.
