The Town of Gibsons has completed its first-ever Urban Forest Plan (UFP)—a comprehensive roadmap for protecting, enhancing, and managing Gibsons’ trees and green spaces over the next 20 years.
Developed with guidance from Diamond Head Consulting and shaped by public input, the Urban Forest Plan outlines a vision for a resilient, connected, and biodiverse tree canopy that supports our community’s identity, health, and climate resilience.
View the Final Urban Forest Plan (PDF)
What is an Urban Forest?
Gibsons’ urban forest includes all public and private trees in parks, streets, yards, and natural spaces, and provides critical environmental, health, and economic benefits.
Key Benefits of Urban Forests
- Stormwater Management: Absorbs rainfall & prevents erosion
- Water Purification: Filters pollutants before reaching groundwater
- Carbon Sequestration: Absorbs CO₂ & combats climate change
- Improved Air Quality: Removes airborne pollutants
- Noise Reduction: Buffers traffic & construction noise
- Health & Well-being: Encourages outdoor activity & improves mental health
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter for birds & pollinators
- Economic Value: Enhances property values & community appeal
An Overview of the Urban Forest Plan
A Vision for 2045
Gibsons’ urban forest is:
- Healthy, diverse, and resilient
- Connected across natural areas, tree-lined streets, parks, and backyards
- Valued and accessible to all community members
- Recognized as a natural asset vital to our infrastructure and climate strategy
What’s in the Plan?
The Urban Forest Plan includes:
- 4 Goals to guide long-term management
- 10 Strategies to achieve those goals
- 48 Actions across short-, mid-, and long-term timelines
- 10 Quick Start Actions to launch implementation
Some targets include:
- Planting 2,200 new trees by 2045
- Growing urban canopy cover to 31% in developed areas
- Protecting 39% canopy in future growth areas
- Restoring 2 hectares of natural forest
Quick Start Actions (2025–2026)
Initial priorities include:
- Amending the Official Community Plan and Tree Preservation Bylaw
- Launching a community tree planting program
- Mapping planting opportunities on public land
- Strengthening collaboration with the Skwxwú7mesh Nation
- Creating an annual Urban Forest Report Card
Public Engagement
Thank you to everyone who helped shape the Urban Forest Plan during two phases of community engagement in 2023 and 2024.
