The Queen City has a new label: Tree City of the World.
The Mayor’s office released on Tuesday that Regina had become the ninth Canadian city – 59th in the world – to be granted the title.
“This designation is the result of generations of care and attention dating back to the founding of Regina,” said Regina Mayor Michael Fougere in a statement. “[We] recognize the value of a thriving urban forest to our quality of life.”
Tree Cities of the World is an international effort to recognize cities and towns committed to ensuring that their urban forests and trees are properly maintained, sustainably managed, and duly celebrated. It provides direction, assistance and worldwide recognition for your community’s dedication to urban forests. The program also provides a framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program in a city.
The organization opens an opportunity to connect with cities around the world in a new network dedicated to sharing and adopting the most successful approaches to managing community trees and forests.
The title of Tree City is granted when a city meets five standards: established authority; set rules; knowledge of what you have; allocated resources; celebrated achievements.
“The city is proud to receive this designation that recognizes the dedicated work and planning that goes into caring for our trees,” said Diana Hawryluk, Executive Director, City Planning & Community Development. “Employing leading urban forest management practices, and guided by the Official Community Plan, our work focuses on ensuring a healthy urban forest.”
The city has over 179,000 trees across 180 square kilometers on its urban streets and in parks. The vision moving forward includes having one tree for every resident in Regina.
