Agenda Package - City of Vernon

-6-
and green infrastructure component is maintained to a minimum standard. Staff
consulted canopy cover goal establishment research undertaken by the American
Forests (AF, foimerly the American Forests Association), as well as canopy goals
set by other local governments in BC and Alberta. The AF discussion on canopy
goals is included a1 Attachment 2. Gonsideration of Vernon's climate, as well as
ihe water limits of the area, was included in the research along with the selection of
communities considered to be appropriate for comparison. Few local governments
have set specific canopy goals and have instead implemented a standardized
approach to tree protection throughout their communities. However, communities
in arid regions, without a community history of tree planting programs, such as
Kelowna, have chosen to set canopy goals to address issues of determining an
appropriate program goal for street tree programming and community participation
prógram developmenl. Canopy goals apply to all trees, whether on public or
private land.
OCP 20OB established three distinct development districts - City Centre,
Neighbourhood and Agricultural and Hillside Residential districts - each with its
o*ñ dist¡nct consideratlons when considering tree planting and maintenance' Staff
reviewed available information, modeling approaches and net benefit information
available from other local governments and the American Forests. Available public
lands, boulevard, sidewaik and greenway development plans, neighbourhood
character and existing canopy cover were also taken into consideration during the
development of the canoPY goals.
The City Centre District currently has a tree canopy cover of 0.5 to 1,0%. Through
comparison of aerial photos over time and consideration of City Centre planning
and capital works initiatives, a canopy goal of 10% cover is recommended for this
area. There is insufficient space to accommodate trees, either on private or public
property, in a large portion of the City Centre, These areas are generally
commercial, retail -and multi-family development areas and as a result have
landscaping maintenance requirements established under the Landscape
Maintenanõe Bylaw which is separate but complimentary to residential street tree
and boulevard maintenance recommendations. Areas of the City Centre identified
as significant for public space (the Civic Plaza), business development and
retenùon (Downtown) and pedestrian and cycling routes (Polson Greenway) are
anticipated to contribute 70% of the 10% cover goal. To achieve 10% canopy
covei overall, trees would need to be planted and maintained in City Centre areas
of park space and residential development.
The Neighbourhood District currently has an estimated overall canopy cover of
1S%. This varies by neighbourhood with the highest canopy cover found in East
Hill, with an approximate cover of 15-30%, Mission Hill with 5'10 o/o, while the
lowest is on ttli¡ddleton Mountain with an approximate cover of 0.5%. An overall
canopy goal of 15 - 20"/" is recommended for the Neighbourhood District. To
achieve lhis goal, new trees must be planted on both public and private lands and
existing trees need to be retained whenever possible.
275