City committee eyes incentives to push planting of trees on private property

A city committee voted unanimously on Thursday in favour of new efforts to maintain and promote the planting of trees on private property.

It could include financial incentives and property tax breaks for Calgarians who keep trees in their yards.

A city report shows Calgary’s urban tree canopy is lower than other big cities in Canada.

Only about a third of trees in Calgary are on municipal property.

“Calgarians recognize the tree canopy is very important to Calgary or such a lifestyle and their health,” said Terry Wong, councillor for Ward 7.

“The majority of Calgarians want to see not only the additional and conservation of trees on public property, but also measures to be put on private property.”

While incentives are being considered, a proposed “private tree protection bylaw” is not recommended by officials.

There are concerns such a bylaw could infringe on a property owner’s rights under the updated Alberta Bill of Rights.