Spring 2026

June 16th

🌳 Urban Forest Strategy Approved

Council approved Coquitlam's Urban Forest Management Strategy largely as recommended by staff. The strategy includes tree planting initiatives and programs to expand the urban canopy, but it does not contain a concrete plan to prevent net canopy loss, require retention of mature trees, or strengthen the City's Tree Protection Bylaw.

While the strategy recognizes the importance of mature trees, most retention measures remain advisory rather than mandatory. As a result, concerns raised by residents, environmental groups, and urban forestry experts regarding ongoing canopy loss remain largely unresolved.

Thank you to everyone who wrote letters, attended meetings, and spoke to Council. Nearly 40 residents attended the final Council meeting, helping ensure community concerns about protecting Coquitlam's urban forest were heard.

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🌳 Urban Forest Update: What Residents Should Know

We are at a pivotal moment for the future of Coquitlam's trees.

Following a recent meeting with senior staff, it appears the City is preparing to move forward with the current draft Urban Forest Management Strategy largely as-is—without incorporating several key improvements that residents, experts, and advisory groups have been calling for over the past three years.

This is concerning.

Many community members have contributed significant time, knowledge, and care to this process. Yet the current draft still does not go far enough to:

• protect mature trees
• set clear canopy targets
• ensure the Strategy is supported by the bylaws needed to make it effective

Without these elements, there is a real risk that tree loss will continue to outpace replacement.

Council has not made a final decision yet. Residents still have a window to speak up before April 30.

Letter to the editor (external link)

Want more information? See the Urban Forest Resources in the sidebar and read the PDF documents.

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Learn More About Coquitlam's Urban Forest

• The Protection Gap – how current bylaws allow loss of mature trees
• Setting the Record Straight – fact-checking common claims
• The Regional Standard – how Coquitlam compares to other cities
• A Stronger Tree Bylaw for Coquitlam – a practical framework for improvement

📌 Note: The Roy Stibbs Residents group is not leading this initiative. We are sharing this information because the City's draft Urban Forest Management Strategy will directly impact our neighbourhood and community.

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Get up to speed on the Urban Forest Strategy

Council & Committee Delegation (March 30)

Key concerns were presented directly to Council

A recent delegation to Council and Committee raised concerns that the current draft Urban Forest Management Strategy places too much emphasis on tree planting without adequate protection for existing mature trees.

👉 Watch the presentation here.

The presentation highlights the need for stronger policies, clear canopy targets, and better alignment with City planning.

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TUFF Showcase — 20-minute overview

About the TUFF Showcase

A concise overview of key urban forest issues, expert perspectives and ideas discussed through the Tri-Cities Urban Forest Forum (TUFF).

🎥 Watch the TUFF Showcase summary here.

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