Item - 2021.IE26.6

City Council considered Items IE26.6 and IE26.14 together.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommends that:

1. City Council reaffirm Toronto's target of 40 percent tree canopy cover by 2050 to align with the City of Toronto's TransformTO NetZero Strategy.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, to commission and select an official arboreal emblem for the City of Toronto in partnership with the Chief Communications Officer for Strategic Public and Employee Communications and the City Clerk's Office, following public engagement.

3. City Council request the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the General Manager, Transportation Services and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, to report back on any recommendations for enhanced enforcement of the requirement for soft landscaping on the City right-of-way or private property as set out in the City's Zoning By-law.

Toronto's urban forest is a critical component of the city's green infrastructure. Trees provide a range of environmental, ecological, physical and mental health, social, cultural and economic benefits, and contribute to climate resiliency as recognized in the City’s TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. In addition to enhancing city streetscapes and providing habitat within parks, ravines, and natural areas, the urban forest provides valuable ecosystem services that improve the quality of life in the city. Some services include carbon sequestration, pollution removal, energy savings and avoided runoff, worth an estimated $55 million annually.

At its meeting on January 29, 2020, City Council adopted the 2018 Tree Canopy Study. This report responds to various motions adopted by City Council since that time, including addressing tree canopy at the neighbourhood scale; canopy expansion on private land; strengthening tree protection, monitoring LDD moth (European gypsy moth) and a reaffirmation of Toronto's canopy cover target of 40 per cent by 2050 to align with the City's TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. It also outlines a process for the creation of Toronto's first arboreal emblem using public feedback.

Urban Forestry's mandate is to maintain, protect, plant and plan for Toronto's urban forest. Through the analysis and use of data and evidence based decision making, action is being taken across the city to address the challenges underscored in the 2018 Tree Canopy Study. The introduction of a tree equity approach to planning and service delivery at the neighbourhood scale will help to address inequitable distribution of the urban forest. Ongoing investments that are being made in tree planting and stewardship will support canopy expansion on private property through the Urban Forestry Grants and Incentives program, since the greatest potential for canopy expansion exists on private land. The use of fees and fines to address compliance with the City's Tree By-laws, as well as public and industry education, are important components of a successful tree protection model. Updates on Compliance and Enforcement inspection fees and response times as well as enhanced educational materials are presented in this report. A status update on LDD moth monitoring and management is also provided.

The creation of an arboreal emblem to add to the City of Toronto's family of official symbols will underscore the significance of trees in Toronto and reaffirm our commitment to grow, enhance and protect the urban forest. Parks, Forestry and Recreation will support the City Clerk's Office and Strategic Public and Employee Communications to undergo public engagement and consultation with Toronto's diverse communities to determine a tree best suited to represent Toronto and to be included as one of Toronto's Official Symbols.