A neighbourhood in Markham, Ontario, will be the first net-zero community in Canada to connect all of its houses to a geothermal energy system, a major step toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It’s just one of many innovative projects supported by GMF as we empower Canadian municipalities to take bold steps in addressing climate change, fostering resilience, and advancing sustainability.  

In 2023-24, GMF had our most impactful year yet, as we invested nearly $200 million in local projects and secured more than $820 million in new funding. We’re helping communities across Canada access funding, knowledge and capacity to face the diverse challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability by undertaking innovative, scalable projects that make a real difference. 

Explore GMF’s 2023-24 Annual Report

Trees are known for providing shade, absorbing carbon and enhancing biodiversity—but the power of trees doesn't end there. Living near and around trees can have vast social and health benefits, including reduced urban heat island effect, improved air quality and better mental health. Local governments who understand the value of trees can better plan and invest in these assets to ensure that they continue to provide services to their residents.

Learn from a panel of experts in forestry, human health, natural asset management and climate-resilient infrastructure as they speak to the myriad benefits rooted in vibrant urban forests and how communities can make the business case for planting and protecting trees.  

Speakers: 

• Roy Brooke, Executive Director, Natural Assets Initiative
• Joanna Eyquem, Managing Director, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation
• Barb Rabicki, Principal Owner, Wild by Nature Forest Sanctuary
• Dr. Laurette Geldenhuys, Board Member, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and Professor, Dalhousie University 

This webinar is well suited for: 

• Municipal elected officials   
• Parks and recreation staff
• Planners
• Asset management staff
• Climate change and sustainability staff
• Urban forestry practitioners   
• Local organizations
• Residents interested in local climate adaptation

Our expert panel and audience members shared additional resources to help you build the business case for tree planting in your community: 

• Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, Managing Flooding and Erosion at the Watershed Scale
• Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, Climate-ready Infographics  
• Natural Assets Initiative, Case study: Natural Asset Management in Selkirk, MB
• Natural Assets Initiative, Natural Asset Management Roadmap Program
• Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
• Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care, Canadian Health Care Forests
• City of Montreal, Public Trees of Montreal
• 24heures, Article : Montréal: Faire des économies grâce à nos arbres
• City of Mississauga, 2022 Financial and sustainability report   
• Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Article: Natural Asset Analysis and Valuation Project redefines nature-based solutions
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative, SFI Urban and Community Forestry Sustainability Standard
• Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium and University of Toronto, HealthyPlan.City
• Sustainable Brands, Article: How brands can help communities thrive in a changing climate
• City of Calgary, Urban Forestry Map 

Watch the webinar

This webinar was created in partnership by Tree Canada and FCM’s Green Municipal Fund for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, which is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.