About Otter Housing Association 

In rural Newfoundland and Labrador, the Otter Housing Association (OHA) is taking significant strides to address homelessness through an innovative housing project in Port Rexton. The initiative, which plans to construct between 12 units, is designed to offer both affordable and rent-geared-to-income options. Notably, the project is committed to sustainability and energy efficiency, aiming to set a benchmark for Net Zero Energy developments in rural areas. The OHA project will be amongst the first bringing the innovative concepts of communal Sustainable Affordable Housing options and Zero Carbon Building standards to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This project aims to be the first certified Zero Carbon Building Design project in the province — a significant step in the right direction, towards a more sustainable construction culture. 

Planning for sustainability

Funded by the Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) planning grant, OHA has commenced an extensive planning phase to incorporate advanced low-carbon building technologies. This includes hiring an energy efficiency consultant and an architect with expertise in sustainable practices to oversee the project design. The association is exploring modular construction to streamline the building process while maintaining high energy efficiency standards, and is also investigating the use of solar photovoltaic systems to ensure the buildings can generate as much energy as they consume. 

Innovative features for replicability  

The project is characterized by several innovative features that promise wide replicability. It focuses on achieving Net Zero Energy status by prioritizing energy generation and conservation, and utilizes prefabricated modules to minimize construction waste and duration, providing a scalable model for similar rural housing initiatives. 

Securing future funding

Following the initial planning, OHA plans to seek further study grants from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to refine their construction methods based on early findings. Insights from this phase will guide future applications for capital project funding through FCM and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). 

Social and environmental impacts

The social and environmental impacts of this project are significant. The SAH planning grant funded research on co-housing in the United Kingdom, a region where co-housing developments have gained significant popularity. This research facilitated connections between OHA and nine co-housing communities, which notably included several Passivhaus certified developments. By providing stable, community-centred affordable housing, it directly addresses local homelessness, while its emphasis on Net Zero Energy and low-carbon technologies helps reduce the community's environmental footprint.  

A model for rural housing solutions

The Otter Housing Association's initiative in Port Rexton is a prime example of how rural areas can tackle significant social challenges like homelessness through innovative and sustainable housing solutions. Supported by the REC program and SAH funding, this project not only delivers immediate benefits to those in need but also serves as a sustainable model for future developments in similar settings. As OHA progresses, its approach continues to inspire broader shifts toward sustainable and inclusive community planning. 

To learn more about OHA and their project’s progress, visit them at otterhousing.ca

Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.

Visit the projects database

The Regional Energy Coaches (REC) program is dedicated to improving energy efficiency and affordability in housing across Canada. Our expert coaches provide technical support, energy-efficiency planning, and funding guidance to municipalities, not-for-profits, and housing cooperatives. Below, you'll find the contact information for RECs in various regions, ready to assist you in enhancing your housing projects. Connect with a REC in your region today to start your journey toward sustainable, energy-efficient housing solutions. 

 

 

Atlantic Canada

Kallyn DeGrace

Kallyn DeGrace
The Clean Foundation
Kallyn DeGrace’s diverse experience gives her a holistic view of residential developments and retrofit projects. Her background includes energy management, ecological surveying, environmental assessments, carbon sequestration, and much more. As a Certified Energy Manager and Certified RETScreen Expert, Kallyn is prepared to help you approach your next residential development or retrofit with energy efficiency in mind. From design through construction, Kallyn can help you understand and improve the environmental outcomes of your project. 📋 
British Columbia

Dami Dabiri

Dami Dabiri
BC Non-Profit Housing Association
Dami Dabiri is passionate about decarbonizing the built space. He has a background in chemical engineering and extensive experience with deep energy retrofits. He is committed to supporting the non-market housing sector through the development and implementation of energy efficiency projects in partnership with affordable housing providers. 📋 
Housing co-operatives (all regions except Quebec)

Irfaan Hasham

Irfaan Hasham
Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
Irfaan Hasham is a seasoned energy professional with multiple professional designations and extensive experience in both the consulting and utility sectors. He has helped housing co-ops secure millions of dollars in funding for energy retrofits while supporting their efforts to reduce emissions and improve building performance. He has also worked with leading property managers across Canada to deliver impactful energy savings in commercial buildings. 📋 
Northern and Indigenous communities

Kayla Fayant

Kayla Fayant
Indigenous Clean Energy
Kayla Fayant is a Métis woman from Fishing Lake Métis Settlement. Working with the Bringing It Home team at Indigenous Clean Energy, she has been supporting Indigenous communities’ participation in the energy efficiency space through ICE’s Regional Energy Advisor Training program, curriculum and resource development, the Healthy Energy Homes project, and other ICE programs. Kayla uses her knowledge and experience to support Indigenous communities across Canada working towards energy efficiency. 📋 
Ontario

Majed Hargaaya

Majed Hargaaya
Community Housing Transformation Centre
Majed Hargaaya has spent 15 years working in sustainability, including all project phases as well as in architecture, engineering and construction. With a passion for bringing sustainable design into the community housing sector, he is experienced in guiding the establishment of sustainability objectives for new and existing buildings, promoting those same principles among all project stakeholders, as well as integrating them into every aspect of project design. 📋 
Prairies

Neha Prakash

Neha Prakash
Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association
Neha Prakash has more than a decade of experience in net-zero building design, sustainable urban development and green building certifications. A WELL Accredited Professional (AP) with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and two master’s degrees in city planning and project management, Neha provides coaching and technical services to affordable housing providers across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, with a focus on driving energy-efficient capital improvements and fostering long-term sustainability. 📋 
Quebec

Jennie Laurin

Jennie Laurin
Community Housing Transformation Centre
With a strong background in project management and organizational development, Jennie Laurin brings valuable experience in the community housing sector and a commitment to advancing initiatives at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and social equity. Through her role at the CHTC, she is motivated to help build the capacity of community housing actors through grounded, hands-on support. 📋 
Quebec housing co-operatives

Sarah Djohra Ait Kheddache

Sarah Djohra Ait Kheddache
Confédération québécoise des coopératives d'habitation
Sarah Djohra Ait Kheddache is part of the North African Indigenous communities, the Amazigh. She holds bachelor's degrees in ecology and environment and in sustainable development, and she brings with her a wealth of experience in project coordination and management in various sectors. Throughout her career, she has received several nominations and recognitions for her leadership, commitment, and ability to mobilize around various issues. 📋 

This list was last reviewed and updated on August 25, 2025.

Did you find this page helpful?
Please offer suggestions that will improve the learning center for you:

Fredericton, New Brunswick

That's a wrap! Thank you to all who participated in SCC 2025

We’ll be back again in 2027 – please subscribe to our newsletter, Connect, to stay up to date on SCC and other future learning opportunities.

Subscribe to Connect

FCM’s SCC 2025 will bring together municipal sustainability practitioners and local leaders from across the country to learn from each other and share actionable solutions towards a more resilient and sustainable future. You’ll discover proven best practices in local sustainability, affordable housing and climate adaptation centered around Reconciliation and Anti Racism, Equity and Inclusion.

Reduced rates available

A limited number of registrations are available at a lower price for:

  • Members of small, rural, northern and Indigenous communities
  • Students

Focus of SCC 2025

Focus of SCC 2025

Schedule

Schedule

More information

More information

Speakers

Hear from leading sustainability experts and thought leaders in Canada. Our speakers for SCC 2025 include:

 

Tanya Talaga 
(keynote speaker)

Award-winning journalist and author, Seven Fallen Feathers

 

Laura Lynch 
(keynote speaker)

Award-winning journalist and host of CBC’s What On Earth

 

Alan De Sousa
(co-chair, SCC 2025)

Mayor of Saint-Laurent, Quebec, and Chair of the Green Municipal Fund Council

 

Gabrielle Blatz
(co-chair, SCC 2025)

Councillor, City of Wetaskiwin, Alberta

 

Skylar Franke

Councillor, Ward 11, City of London, Ontario

 

Abhi Kantamneni

Director, Action Research, Efficiency Canada

 

Megan Leslie

President and CEO, World Wildlife Fund-Canada

 

Carole Saab

Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

 

Joanna Eyquem

Managing Director, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation

Focus of SCC 2025

Build connections icon

Build connections

Connect with peers and local leaders from communities that are facing similar challenges to yours. Build a network to enhance joint action for sustainable change at the local level.

Future-proof your community icon

Future-proof your community

Increase your strategic decision-making skills by learning from the experiences of others and exploring proven best practices in local sustainability, affordable housing and climate adaptation that centers around Reconciliation and Anti Racism, Equity and Inclusion.

Embrace solutions that work icon

Embrace solutions that work

Gain the right tools to help you convert ideas into reality and fast-track sustainable change in your community.

 

Why attend SCC 2025?

Whether you have a project in development or are just beginning to plan a sustainability initiative in your community, SCC 2025’s program will bring fresh insights to your sustainability challenges with tailored content for Canadian municipalities.

You’ll have the chance to:

  • Hear from leading sustainability experts, acclaimed keynote speakers and thought leaders
  • Explore key trends in building net-zero communities, in sustainable tools and processes, and in advocating for change at the local level
  • Build a valuable network of sustainability champions across the country
  • Enhance your expertise with tools and knowledge from our workshops, training sessions and study tours
  • Celebrate award-winning sustainability solutions
  • Meet experts in-person at our diverse Industry Showcase and leave with actionable solutions to your sustainability challenges
  • Discover New Brunswick’s capital city and its built heritage, local culinary delights and riverside beauty

Schedule

From inspiring speakers and expert panel discussions to interactive workshops and a variety of networking opportunities, the SCC 2025 schedule has something for everyone.

See the full schedule on our Program page.

All events below will be offered in English and French with simultaneous interpretation.
Times are displayed in Atlantic Time (AT).
Schedule is subject to change without notice.

Tuesday, February 11
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Continental breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Pre-conference trainings and study tours
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Industry Showcase
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.Lunch - Presented by Intact Public Entities
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Free electric vehicle test drives - Presented by Plug'N Drive and NB Lung
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.Opening ceremony
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.Keynote address by Tanya Talaga, Award-winning journalist and author, Seven Fallen Feathers
2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.Coffee break
3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.Concurrent workshops
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Sustainable Communities Award ceremony - Presented by Intact
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Opening reception - Presented by Intact (Pre-registration required)
Wednesday, February 12
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.Breakfast - Presented by WSP Canada
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Industry Showcase
8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.Welcome and daily update
9:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Free electric vehicle test drives - Presented by Plug'N Drive and NB Lung
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.Panel: No one left behind – Collaborative climate solutions for inclusive action
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.Coffee break
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Concurrent workshops
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.Lunch - Presented by Intact Public Entities
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Networking meet-ups:

  • Early-career professionals
  • Professionals from small and rural communities
  • Francophone professionals
2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.Concurrent workshops
3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.Coffee break
3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.Panel: A new era of climate action – Economic opportunity, job creation and cost savings at the forefront of action
4:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Fireside Chat with the Honorable Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.Social: East Coast Kitchen Party, Boyce Farmers Market - Presented by Porter O’Brien, AFMNB and UMNB (Pre-registration required)
Thursday, February 13
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.Breakfast - Presented by WSP Canada
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Industry Showcase
8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.Welcome and daily update
9:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Free electric vehicle test drives - Presented by Plug'N Drive and NB Lung
9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.Panel: Risk and resilience
10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.Coffee break
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Concurrent workshops
12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.Lunch - Presented by Intact Public Entities
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.Closing keynote by Laura Lynch, award-winning journalist, CBC's What On Earth
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Closing ceremony
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.Socials

More information on SCC2025

Who will be there? 

SCC 2025 brings together municipal staff, elected officials, federal delegates, and private sector experts to discuss and share best practices for making Canadian communities more environmentally, socially and economically vibrant. 

Our 2023 conference was attended by over 500 sustainability leaders from across the country.

Industry Showcase: Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities

Our Industry Showcase brings together leading experts and innovative private sector partners to demonstrate high performing environmental solutions. Conference attendees can meet experts in-person and leave with sustainability ideas that can be implemented right away in their communities.

Exhibitors can connect with municipalities from across Canada, increase awareness and take advantage of multiple networking opportunities to showcase their product, service or initiative.

 

Plan your trip 

We have all the details you need to help plan your trip to Fredericton for SCC 2025. Get started on your travel plans. 

Have questions about SCC 2025?

We'd love to hear from you. If you have any questions about SCC 2025, please send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. 


Contact us

Related

SCC 2025: Plan your trip

Everything you need to know to book your travel for FCM’s Sustainable Communities Conference.

Read more

SCC 2025: Program details

Browse our sessions and plan your schedule.

Read more

SCC 2025: Speakers

The voices of SCC 2025.

Read more
government-of-canada-logo

Delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, GMF manages approximately $2.4B in programs funded by the Government of Canada.

 

Embark on a journey towards impactful and equitable climate adaptation. This webinar explores equitable climate adaptation, giving you the knowledge and tools to implement strategies that address local risks, enhance natural ecosystems and build resilience against climate impacts.  

The panel discussion, featuring climate action experts and peers, focuses on equitable approaches and strategies to local climate adaptation, and provides insights into local climate priorities and the resources available to support community climate adaptation projects.

This webinar was delivered in English with French simultaneous interpretation.

Speakers include:  

  • Brad Badelt, Director of Sustainability, City of Vancouver 
  • Ewa Jackson, Managing Director, ICLEI Canada 
  • Emmay Mah, Executive Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance 
  • Rachel Mitchell, Senior Manager of Programs, Clean Foundation

Resources discussed in the webinar: 

FCM’s Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative is delivered through our Green Municipal Fund and funded by the Government of Canada.

Did you find this page helpful?
Please offer suggestions that will improve the learning center for you:

This is part of a series of factsheets aimed at supporting local governments to expand, manage and protect their community canopies. Full and healthy tree canopies help to sequester carbon, enhance biodiversity, build climate resilience and promote well-being for all.

This factsheet tells you how to properly plant a tree to give it the best chance of survival. It provides step-by-step guidance communities can follow to get their trees off to a heathy start.

Why does tree planting matter? 

Planting trees is an important way that communities can tackle climate change while also achieving other important benefits, such as increasing biodiversity and community well-being. Think of planting a tree as making a nature-based investment: When trees are planted in the right places at the right times, we can maximize the benefits of the investment by ensuring their long-term survival.

With some careful planning and clearly defined objectives we can successfully maximize those benefits.

Selecting the right area to plant in

An important part of planting is ensuring that new trees will have adequate access to light, water and good-quality soil for successful establishment and growth. Sometimes the areas we want to plant in don’t provide the ideal conditions for planting. For example, planting in paved environments (such as sidewalks or parking lots) poses challenges because the soil beneath the pavement has often been compacted to prevent settlement and cracking. Specific techniques to remediate or decompact the soil may be necessary before planting in those kinds of areas can be begin.

How to plant trees

The success of tree planting depends on several factors, including planting site conditions and timing. Here are six key steps: 

1. Choose the right time to plant

Seasonal changes, such as soil temperature and water availability, significantly impact the success of tree establishment. The ideal planting seasons are typically fall and spring, depending on where you live. This is when water availability is adequate and soil temperatures are typically close to ten degrees Celsius to support optimal root growth.

Be sure that weather conditions are cool enough to allow time for new trees to establish roots in their new location before spring rains and summer heat stimulate new top growth. Consider the impacts of climate change on local conditions and adjust your community’s planting schedule accordingly.

2. Transport your trees carefully and store them in an appropriate location

Potted stock and bareroot trees are fragile living things. Inspecting trees and shrubs before planting will ensure that quality standards (such as Canadian Nursery Stock Standards) will be met. Trees of poor quality should be rejected.

It’s also important to avoid damaging trees during transport. Here are some general guidelines for transporting and storing trees:

  • Protect trees during shipping by covering them with a tarp or burlap or shipping them in an enclosed truck.  
  • Lift trees using root ball straps or container handles, never by the trunk. 
  • On the job site, store trees upright and in the shade and water as needed. Try to avoid storing trees on asphalt. 
  • Plant trees as soon as possible after delivery. 

3. Prepare the planting site to ensure trees will have adequate access to sunlight, water and good-quality soil 

It’s a good idea to double-check that the chosen planting site is safe and accessible and free from any obstructions caused by utilities or infrastructure. Consider remediation measures if these conditions are not met.  

Next, prepare the necessary tools and equipment for planting. Inspect trees one more time before planting to ensure they are undamaged and still of adequate quality.  

4. Dig the soil pit according to the size of the root ball 

The hole you dig to plant the tree in should be at least two times as wide as the tree’s root ball and the same depth as the root ball. You’re aiming for the trunk flare (the part of a tree where the trunk meets the ground and flares out as the trunk transitions into the root system) to sit at ground level. If it is above or below ground level, this will damage the tree. Be sure to loosen any surrounding compacted soil to facilitate root growth.  

5. Prepare the root ball and plant the tree 

Carefully remove the tree from its container. For ball and burlap trees, trim as much burlap material from the root ball as possible. If trees are in wire baskets, cut or remove the baskets prior to planting. Inspect the roots for any girdling or circling patterns and lightly cut or scrape them away to encourage healthy root growth. 

Place the tree into the hole and then backfill the soil pit with the soil that was removed during digging. Ensure the soil is firmly packed around the roots to eliminate air pockets and stabilize the tree. Create a well at the surface for watering. Apply five to ten centimetres of mulch around the trunk, but do not create a sloped pile (it shouldn’t have a “volcano” shape). Don’t allow mulch to touch the stem. 

6. Water the soil  

Immediately after planting, water all around the root ball to settle any air pockets and ensure there's plenty of water available to the new planting's roots. Fill the soil well with water and moisten the mulch as well. Water often to help the root system establish itself in the planting site. 

What post-planting care do trees require?  

In most regions, newly planted urban trees usually require some care after planting. It’s common for watering or irrigation during dry seasons to carry on for two to five years after planting. Installing tree guards or wire mesh can protect against potential hazards, such as lawn equipment or animals. And large tree stock or trees in busy or windy areas may require staking or other support to maintain stability, but this should be removed after the first year of growth.  

It’s a good idea to develop a maintenance plan to guide young tree care and to monitor quality after planting is done. Post-planting inspections of all or even just a sample of newly planted trees will tell you whether the targeted planting standard was achieved.  

How to involve your community in tree planting 

It’s a great idea to get your community involved in tree planting. Getting people together for planting activities builds community by making people feel they are contributing to greening and beautifying their environment. It also provides valuable educational opportunities for participants to learn about the urban forest.  

Community members and businesses can be engaged through planting events held in parks, schools or other community spaces. Communities can seek funding from programs like Tree Canada’s Treemendous Communities Grant to support such events, and municipalities can receive funding for community engagement as part of a planting project through the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative.

Next steps   

This factsheet has presented an overview of how to plant trees to give them the best chance of survival. In addition to following the guidance here to get trees off to a heathy start, please consult the other factsheets in this series (coming soon).  

Here are some further resources that can help you with your next tree planting project: 

  1. Tree Canada, Canadian Urban Forest Strategy 2019–2024
  2. Tree Canada, How to Plant a Tree 
  3. Vibrant Cities Lab, Tree Planting 

This resource 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. 

Did you find this page helpful?
Please offer suggestions that will improve the learning center for you:
Canada - Tree Canada Logo

For over 20 years, the Green Municipal Fund has been supporting sustainable municipal projects with a unique mix of funding, training and resources across Canada. Last revised in 2015, our energy, transportation and waste funding offers were updated to be flexible, adaptable and aimed to maximize the impact of local climate action in communities of all sizes.  

With our revised funding, GMF is better positioned to support Canadian municipalities in delivering high-impact projects that focus on net-zero emissions and prioritize biodiversity, sustainable materials management, and anti-racism, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation. This webinar explores how with GMF funding, municipalities could make local buildings more sustainable, electrify fleets, recover energy from waste, and much more. 

Watch this webinar recording to:  

  • Learn about the new changes to our funding.  
  • Increase your understanding about the types of projects GMF supports.  
  • Discover the multiple co-benefits municipalities experience by completing projects with GMF funding. 

Speaker:  

  • Athia Kabanguka, Advisor, Programs Outreach, Green Municipal Fund. 

Did you find this page helpful?
Please offer suggestions that will improve the learning center for you:

Read the transcript.

The Green Municipal Fund’s Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) initiative helps municipalities reach environmental goals and deliver home-energy upgrade financing programs for low-rise residential properties. Taking projects from planning to implementation to scale, CEF brings jobs to communities and helps Canadians build better lives.​

This webinar highlights the economic, social and environmental impacts of CEF and share stories on how funded programs are creating triple bottom line benefits for communities. These stories will surely inspire other municipalities and their partners to start a home-energy upgrade financing program in their community, while having a significant impact on climate targets.

Watch this webinar recording to learn: 

  • How implementing a community efficiency financing program can reduce GHG emissions in line with Canada’s 2030 and 2050 targets.
  • To celebrate the real-world impact of the CEF initiative by highlighting results from CEF-funded programs with a particular focus on community stories.
  • To highlight the triple bottom line benefits of investing in community efficiency financing, becoming inspired to explore what’s possible for your community.

Speakers: 

  • Katie Giles, Senior Energy Lead, Clean Foundation
  • Leon de Vreede, Senior Policy and Program Planner, Energize Bridgewater, Town of Bridgwater
  • Steven Ottoni, Director, Sustainability Services, Alberta Municipalities
  • Jordan Carrier, Community Energy Program Assistant in Climate and Environment, City of Calgary

FCM’s Community Efficiency Financing initiative is delivered through FCM's Green Municipal Fund and funded by the Government of Canada.

Did you find this page helpful?
Please offer suggestions that will improve the learning center for you:

Are you applying for tree planting funding through the Green Municipal Fund’s Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative? You could be eligible for free coaching through Tree Canada to assist you with project development and implementation.

What are coaching services? 

Urban forestry coaches provide free technical support to communities of all sizes to help during two key phases of your tree project: 

  • Application: Coaches will review your project, outlined in your application, and offer specific recommendations to maximize the environmental and social benefits of your tree planting project, while ensuring high tree survivability rates.
  • Project implementation: Coaches will meet one-on-one (or in groups when relevant) with funded project recipients to advise, share tools and offer guidance on best practices. 

Coaches can help you with:

  • Answering specific questions related to your project or application
  • Tailored forestry support as you implement your project
  • Tree species and site selection
  • Ensuring your project is informed by best planting practices
  • Supporting project procurement and budgeting
  • Communicating your urban forestry requirements with council
  • Developing strategies for maintenance based on predicted future climate conditions
  • Conducting inventory studies and using data to inform urban forest planning
  • Tree preservation, protection, and maintenance practices and policies
  • Developing urban forest management plans, bylaws, regulations and strategies
  • Designing and implementing naturalization and ecological restoration projects to increase biodiversity
  • Planning projects that foster tree equity  

Who are the coaches? 

Coaches are urban forestry professionals located across Canada who specialize in urban forest management within communities. 

Who is eligible for coaching?

Only applicants for Tree planting funding can be eligible for Urban forestry coaching. Once your community submits a pre-application form, you will automatically be assessed, and a determination will be made about your need. A GMF representative will review your pre-application form to confirm your organization and initiative are eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process.  

You will receive a response regarding your pre-application's eligibility status and will be notified if you are invited to submit a full application. At this time, GMF will decide if you are recommended to work with an Urban forestry coach, based on a review of your planting plan. A coach will guide and support you through your project planning. You will be matched with a forestry professional based on your location and needs.  

At the project implementation stage, funding recipients will receive support for a maximum of 80 hours. You will work with your coach to schedule progress check-ins and determine the level of support required through the project process. 

Have questions?

Contact a GMF representative to schedule an appointment.

Did you find this page helpful?
Please offer suggestions that will improve the learning center for you:

 

 

government-of-canada-logo

 

The Green Municipal Fund's Growing Canada’s Community Canopies is a $291 million initiative, ending in 2031, funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Capacity building is enabled through a partnership with Tree Canada. GCCC will support the planting of at least 1.2M trees across Canada by end of March 2031. 

Pagination

Subscribe to