WHEREAS the Town of Collingwood has operationalized a program called Canopy Collingwood which is a program aimed at increasing Collingwood’s urban tree canopy on private lands and,
WHEREAS, under that program, Collingwood residents are provided a financial incentive in the form of a rebate on the cost to purchase up to two eligible native trees from a recognized nursery operation, and this program is 100 percent funded from private donations, and
WHEREAS the Tree Trust Town of The Blue Mountains was established in July of 2020 with a mandate to look after established, landmark trees in our community, providing residents with a practical way to fight climate change and preserve our natural heritage, and
WHEREAS Council passed a motion on December 01, 2020 directing staff to provide a report back to Council by the end of Q1 2021 on the recommendations contained in the December 01, 2020 presentation by the TBM Tree Trust, - one in particular being that the Town develop a tree planting plan and incentives for tree planting on residential properties in TBM.
NOW THEREFORE, Council direct staff to meet with the Blue Mountains Tree Trust to discuss and report back to Council on ways that the Town could support the TBM Tree Trust as it implements its initiatives, including but not limited to the Blue Mountains Tree Trust taking on and administering a Town wide tree canopy expansion program on private and public lands supported primarily by private contributions and government grants,
AND That Council request staff to return to Council by September 30 2021 with their report.