Report to: General Committee Report Date: 21/04/08

SUBJECT: Markham Trees for Tomorrow Program

PREPARED BY: Bob Nicholson ext. # 4893

Trees for Tomorrow Project Team

RECOMMENDATION:

That the ‘Markham Trees for Tomorrow Program’ and associated work plan be endorsed by Council;

And that ‘Markham Trees for Tomorrow’ be approved by Council as the name of the program;

And that the Town Solicitor be authorized to proceed with the required application to register an official mark or trade-mark, as appropriate, for the mark ‘Markham Trees for Tomorrow’ and any associated mark(s) as approved by staff, and to retain any required external legal counsel or agents for that purpose;

And that a ‘Markham Trees for Tomorrow Reserve Fund’ be established similar to the Markham Environmental Sustainability Reserve Fund to encourage tree plantings and public awareness by community groups, non-government organizations and staff;

And that funds totaling $1,270,500 be provided in the capital budget accounts 059-5350-7836-005, 059-5399-8407-005, 059-5350-8370-005, 059-6150-8245-005 and 059-6150-8286-005 as detailed in financial considerations section of this report;

And that Council, staff and community leaders be encouraged to promote and actively participate in the program;

And that program status reports be provided to Council on an annual basis;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This report seeks Council approval to proceed with implementation of the Markham Trees for Tomorrow Program. In his inaugural speech, Mayor Scarpitti pledged to plant more trees in the next four years than have been planted in the last decade. To meet this commitment, the Town of Markham, in cooperation with other levels of government, non-government organizations (NGO’s) and community groups will plant more than 75,000 trees prior to the end of 2010.

The proposed program forms part of Markham’s Green Print initiative which will include a vision, strategies and a community engagement process aimed at actively contributing toward a more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable future.

The Green Print will be a long term, comprehensive approach that aligns with sustainability principles and prioritizes actions to more toward this future.

A staff team has developed the following Markham Trees for Tomorrow Program goals and objectives with the approval of senior management.

• Implement a multi-year strategy based on sound financial and business planning
• Increase overall tree cover
• Plantings will be sustainable and a positive living legacy for future generations
• Through community and corporate involvement, implement programs to increase planting on private and public properties
• Report accomplishments and environmental benefits annually

Following confirmation of the program goals and objectives, staff from each commission identified projects that align with the strategic priorities of Council.

Office of the CAO

• Manage the development of the Green Print strategy
• Assist with annual reporting through the Sustainability Office
• Assist with communication and promotion of the Markham Trees for Tomorrow Program and associated benefits through the Green Print process

Community and Fire Services Commission

• Responsible for overall program coordination with other levels of government, non-government organizations and community groups
• Conduct town-wide planting site assessments
• Maximize planting on capital works projects
• Increase maintenance of newly planted stock on Town-owned lands
• Administer the Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund based on approvals received from the Environmental Issues Committee and Town Council

Development Services Commission

• Revise site plan and subdivision standards
• Identify natural protection policy areas for potential future tree planting sites
• Review of planting possibilities on TRCA lands
• Tree planting policy for capital projects
• Maximize planting on Engineering Dept. and Urban Design (Parks) capital projects
• Preparing a long-term tree monitoring protocol

Corporate Services Commission

• Developed a comprehensive communications support plan
• Developed a sponsorship program including a resident and small business program and large corporate donor program
• Develop and manage partnerships
• Coordinate related special events
• Provide financial management

The first phase of the project runs through to the end of 2010. Current budget approvals for the program total $1,270,500. Additional detail regarding expenditures anticipated for 2008 are contained in the financial implications section of this report. Future budget requirements will be identified through the annual business planning and budget approval process.

Annual program status reports will be prepared including budget and work plan outlines, reporting on air quality improvement and positive climate change adaptation.

Upcoming events and projects for 2008

• Markham Trees for Tomorrow Program launch at Milne Park Saturday, May 3^rd
• Community planting at Settler’s Park on Sunday, May 4^th
• TD Friends of the Environment Foundation planting in Milliken (date to be confirmed)
• Coordinating with the NGO Evergreen, a minimum of three public plantings, educational seminars and schoolyard planting programs
• Partnering with the Region of York’s ‘Greening Strategy’ pilot project in partnership with ‘Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests’ (L.E.A.F.) focusing on private (residential) plantings
• Implement the planting of calipre sized trees in parks on a town wide basis

In addition to the above, staff are pursuing opportunities to partner in NGO planting programs including 10,000 Trees for the Rouge, Community Resource Centre, Friends of the Rouge Watershed, Pomona Mills Conservationists, Milne Park Conservation Association and the Rouge Valley Naturalists.

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

This report is further to the ‘Markham Trees for Tomorrow’ presentation to General Committee on February 21, 2008 and seeks Council’s endorsement to proceed with program implementation.

BACKGROUND:

The Mayor’s Inaugural Address included the following statement “While we continue to attract more businesses and residents to Markham, the environment will remain a top priority. I will push for the creation of a comprehensive Green Print for Markham. This plan will identify and protect environmentally significant areas throughout the Town”. An integral part of Markham’s developing Green Print is the Mayor’s pledge “that during the next four years, we will plant more trees than we have planted in the last decade, making Markham a greener and better place to live and work”.

Following the Mayor’s announcement, Peter Loukes, Commission Lead for the Community and Fire Services Commission assumed the role of Program Sponsor with overall responsibility to develop a strategic plan for the Markham Trees for Tomorrow Program.

A cross-commission core team comprised of the following staff has been established to oversee program development and implementation. Whether it is from a policy development, landscape design, or implementation perspective, the team possesses the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to achieve program objectives.

commission / Dept.	staff	role	Responsibility
Community & Fire Services	Peter Loukes	Program Sponsor	Sponsor
	Bob Nicholson	Project Lead	Project Coordination
	Karen Boniface	Operations Representative	Operations Implementation
CAO’s Office	Victoria McGrath	Commission Representative	Greenprint Strategic Initiatives
Development Services	Linda Irvine	Commission Representative	Urban Design / Parks Planning
	Lilli Duoba	Commission Representative	Environmental Policy
Corporate Services	Mark Visser	Commission Representative	Financial Management
	Janet Carnegie	Commission Representative	Corporate Communications & Community Relations

Each team member has engaged other staff within their commission to develop an implementation plan that includes all staff that are involved in the planning, planting and promotion of trees.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

The core team has identified five key program objectives and a work plan that has received the endorsement of senior management:

1. Implement a multi-year strategy based on sound financial and business planning

Operations Department staff are responsible for overall project coordination and each commission has identified projects that will have a visible, tangible and long term impact on the physical and urban character of the Town. Each department has integrated the individual projects into their respective business plans.

2. Increase overall tree cover

Through a review of historical data, staff have determined the estimated prior annual tree planting average at 7,500 trees per year, or 75,000 trees over the last decade (1997 to 2006 inclusive). The estimate is based on Town, non-government organization and private (site plan) plantings. Therefore, to meet or exceed the program target over the current term of Council, 75,000 trees must be planted from 2007 through to year end 2010.

The strategy is to grow the program year-over-year and it should be noted that the annual targets identified are well above and beyond the prior annual average.

Proposed Planting Distribution by Year:

2007 planting (achieved) 15,000

2008 planting target 18,000

2009 planting target 20,000

2010 planting target 22,000

Total 75,000

3. Plantings will be sustainable and a positive living legacy for future generations

A key program objective is to engage and educate residents, businesses and staff. This will occur through collaborating with our partners as we communicate the value of trees for their ecological, social and economic benefits. Staff will leverage opportunities with ratepayer associations, school boards, non-government organizations, service and sports clubs. Staff will further enhance partnerships with the Rouge Park Alliance, TRCA and the Region of York.

4. Through community and corporate involvement, implement programs to increase planting on private and public properties

· Partner with the Region of York and Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (L.E.A.F.) on a Pilot Residential Backyard Planting Program

· Partner with Evergreen on community tree plantings and educational programs focusing on schools and community groups

· Assist with external corporate greening initiatives (to enhance industrial and commercial land)

· Reviewing opportunities to plant trees on larger parcels of privately held land

· Establish a Markham Trees for Tomorrow Fund to assist in encouraging these partnerships.

· The fund will be administered by the Operations Department and the application criteria and recommendations will be reviewed and approved by the Environmental Issues Committee and Town Council.

Regarding town-owned land, staff have identified strategic thematic areas of focus for plantings that will have a visible, tangible and long term impact on the physical and urban character of the Town. These include enhancing;

• Existing parks with additional caliper tree plantings, natural areas and buffers with naturalized native sapling plantings so that parks become more ecologically diverse, environmentally sustainable while increasing wildlife habitat
• Gateways where feasible with distinctive trees and shrubs, so that the experience of entering into Markham is distinct
• Major arterial roads in partnership with the Region of York with distinctive tree species so that ‘great streetscapes’ are created
• Newer parks by adding more trees where appropriate to strengthen the design and programming intent
• Communities and neighbourhoods with distinctive plantings so that they retain a distinctive visual character
• Public buildings and facilities with additional tree plantings where appropriate
• Valleylands with native species that in consultation with the TRCA support sustainability, diversity and fisheries management

In addition to the thematic areas of focus, staff have developed a sponsorship program to pursue on-going private and corporate contributions. Key elements of this program include:

• Creating a public recognition program to recognize resident, small business and corporate supporters
• Recognition for sponsors adopting a planting site(s)
• Recognition at events

Staff will also pursue grants and funding opportunities as may be available through various levels of government and other agencies.

5. Report accomplishments and environmental benefits annually

Staff will quantify and report program results annually including a budget and work plan outline, air quality improvement and the program’s contribution to positive climate change adaptation. This will occur through the program’s link to the greater Green Print initiative currently under development. Staff will also conduct annual surveys to determine impact of educational programs, public awareness and acceptance.

Commission Projects

During the development of the program, staff have ensured each project aligns with Council’s strategic priorities and other corporate projects currently underway. Each core team member met with their respective Commission / Department management teams to confirm projects that will contribute to the overall success of the program.

Looking forward to 2009, certain projects may require additional resources to see the projects through to implementation. These requirements will be identified and reviewed as part of the annual business planning and budget approval process. Identified below are the projects recommended by each Commission.

Office of the CAO

Staff of the Office of the CAO are overseeing the development of Markham’s Green Print which will confirm a vision, strategies and a community engagement process aimed at actively contributing toward a more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable future. The Green Print will be a long term, comprehensive approach that aligns with sustainability principles and prioritizes actions to more toward this future.

The Green Print strategy includes the Markham Trees for Tomorrow initiative as a key program element.

Community and Fire Services Commission

Commission staff are responsible for overall program coordination with other levels of government, non government organizations (i.e. L.E.A.F., Evergreen) and community groups. Through this effort, staff will capitalize on opportunities to partner on projects, benefit from resource sharing and reduce the overall cost of program delivery.

A town-wide planting site assessment is currently underway utilizing GIS and orthoimagery to develop a multi-year planting program for Town-owned lands. This will confirm planting sites, determine site capacity, planting distribution, soil conditions, expected maintenance requirements and aid in annual budget preparation.

Staff are reviewing opportunities to maximize planting on capital works project sites and increasing the number of trees on roads boulevards where appropriate (i.e. industrial / commercial areas). Commission staff are also pursuing a potential partnership with Region of York on an Urban Forestry Management Program to determine the structure, environmental effects and values of urban forests.

Ongoing maintenance of newly planted stock on Town-owned lands is critical to ensure satisfactory survival rates. This will be coordinated by the Operations Department and additional resources will be operating in 2008 (two additional water trucks with seasonal staff).

Development Services Commission

Staff of the Development Services Commission have proposed five projects to be implemented prior to the end of 2010.

Revise Site Plan and Subdivision Standards

To ensure long-term tree preservation, adequate replacement and increased number of new trees planted in a sustainable manner on public and private lands through the site plan control and subdivision approval processes.

Identify natural protection policy areas for potential future tree planting sites

This will be achieved through the Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study. The specific purpose is to identify a Town-wide Natural Heritage Network and prepare a policy framework to address the long term protection and management of the Natural Heritage Network. As well, the study will identify the specific areas of the natural heritage network for enhancement. It is the intent that these areas would be conveyed into public ownership, wherever possible through conditions of development approvals and other means. The lands identified as enhancement lands would be lands available for restoration efforts. Other lands where existing natural features already exist would also be identified for potential tree planting efforts where enhancement efforts would benefit the natural heritage system.

The benefit of this project is providing land opportunities for the Town to meet its Markham Trees for Tomorrow targets over the short term, and equally important, to provide sites in the Town over the long-term to assist in meeting TRCA Watershed, Regional and Town targets for forest and vegetated lands coverage. This project provides the basis for long-term tree planting initiatives.

Review of Planting Possibilities on TRCA Lands

The purpose of this project is to review all lands owned by the TRCA in the Town of Markham to identify potential sites within their landholdings suitable for tree planting enhancement efforts. This would also include most of the Rouge Park lands which are owned by the TRCA. The project would include collaboration with the TRCA and may also include the preparation of tree planting guidelines which specify sensitive locations where riparian tree planting may not be encouraged (e.g. red side dace habitats) and tree species guidelines to ensure only appropriate tree species are planted, as well as a communication protocol to streamline and assist community groups with potential tree planting efforts.

The benefit of this project is to not only identify TRCA lands where additional tree planting could be accommodated, but also provide a communication protocol to ensure streamlined communication for community planting efforts on TRCA lands. This project will include the Rouge Park, and will also focus on other TRCA lands currently not being considered by the Rouge Park under their Natural and Cultural Heritage Program.

Tree Planting Policy for Capital Projects

The purpose of this project is to increase the number of trees planted in association with Engineering and Urban Design (Parks) Capital Works projects. The project would involve the following:

• To establish a collaborative process with the Town’s Urban Design, Operations and Regional Engineering Departments relative to tree planting, design and monitoring for inclusion in new capital projects
• To develop a new financial model to include tree planting, design and monitoring for new and existing capital projects
• Provide a phased program for tree planting on existing capital works where tree planting was not originally provided (cost estimates on a project basis)
• Review existing standards of other municipalities, prepare Best Practices Manual, and share with other Projects
• Create enhanced maintenance requirements, including scheduled watering, increased top soil depths, and reduced tree spacing requirements

The benefits of this project include tree planting in capital works budgets, provision of landscape master plans, monitoring and inspection of project sites to ensure health and sustainability and increased number and sustainability of trees in suitable areas (boulevard, parks, SWM ponds, side walks, and other spaces).

The collaborative process would include meetings with staff from the Urban Design, Operations and Town and Regional Engineering Departments with regard to project priorities, scheduling and design. 

Preparing a long-term tree monitoring protocol

The purpose of this project is to establish a monitoring protocol to manage a data base of new planting efforts in the Town of Markham. This project was contemplated and addressed as a study component in the Town’s Environmental Policy Review and Consolidation Study. The study Terms of Reference requires the protocol for woodlands in the Town of Markham. This project will look at opportunities to track individual tree planting activities in the Community Services Commission.

The benefit of this project is to provide a tool to track and manage tree planting efforts in the Town of Markham at a more comprehensive and detailed scale than originally envisioned for the Planning component. This project will be a joint effort between Development Services Commission and the Community and Fire Services Commission.

Corporate Services Commission

The Corporate Communications and Community Relations Department has developed a comprehensive communications support plan including:

• Overall communication strategy
• Developed sponsorship program including a resident and small business program and large corporate donor program

In addition to the above, staff will develop and manage partnership and coordinate program public events with all participants including Town Council, staff and sponsors. The Financial Services Department staff will provide accounting and expenditure control services

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE:

The following identifies previously approved capital projects associated with this initiative.

Capital Project Description	Year	Budget
# 7836 – Tree Planting Initiative, Making Markham Greener # 8407 – Tree Planting Initiative, Making Markham Greener # 8370 – Urban Design Supplemental Planting in New Parks # 8245 – Operations New Planting in Existing Parks # 8286 – Operations Tree Replacements	2007 2008 2008 2008 2008	$ 250,000 $ 255,500 $ 595,000 $ 20,000 $ 150,000

Total $1,270,500

Below are the budget allocations by activity for the approved 2007 and 2008 Markham Trees for Tomorrow capital projects.

2008 Planned Expenditure / Activity	Budget Allocation	Comments
Corporate Communications / Marketing	$ 30,000	Provides funding for launch events and related Corporate Communications requirements (i.e. printed material). Includes legal fees for naming
Annual Trees for Tomorrow Program Fund	$ 250,000	Provides funding for NGO and community plantings subject to Trees for Tomorrow Program Fund grant application review and approval process by Environmental Issues Committee
Professional Services / Consulting	$ 125,000	Required for Urban Design projects. Provides consulting services necessary to prepare guidelines and manuals for Site Plan and Subdivision Standards, and develop a best practices manual. To be split 50/50 DC & tax rate
Additional Plantings	$ 100,500	Specific to additional planting activities initiated and undertaken by Town Departments on Town-owned land (i.e. Operations, Asset Management, Operations, Engineering)
Urban Design Supplemental Planting in New Parks	$ 595,000	Retain a Landscape Architect to provide design and contract administration services (at 10% of budget or $59,500). Balance of $535,500 to focus on planting in parks constructed between 1998 -2004
Operations New Planting in Existing Parks	$ 20,000	Annual Program – Discretionary additional caliper tree planting in parks Town-wide
Operations Tree Replacements	$ 150,000	Annual Program – one for one replacement of dead knocked-down trees on road boulevards
Total	$1,270,500

Trees have been proven to improve property values as they mature. Studies indicate that the value of trees for most people goes beyond economic considerations to the restorative quality of trees and the improvement of our natural environment.

Given the ongoing investment the Town will continue to make in our urban forest, staff will be reviewing methods to quantify and report value of the trees.

Legal services staff advise the estimated cost of registering the Markham Trees for Tomorrow program name will be approximately $1,000 to $2,000. The associated expenditure will be expensed to an appropriate Markham Trees for Tomorrow account.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The terms of reference currently under development for Markham’s Greenprint identifies a requirement for vision, strategies and a community engagement process aimed at actively contributing toward a more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable future. The Greenprint will confirm a long-term, comprehensive approach that aligns with sustainability principles and prioritizes actions to move in this direction.

Among the areas to be addressed is the Town’s ecological footprint as a baseline and as a tool to help the community understand how to reduce its ecological footprint. The Markham Trees for Tomorrow program will contribute to this objective in a measurable way as earlier referenced in this report.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

The public participation / partnership component of this project will include consideration for and identify ways to include all segments of Markham’s population.

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

This initiative supports Engage 21^st Century goals as they relate to Environmental Focus, Community Excellence and Opportunities for All. ‘Click with Markham’ results will provide valuable insight regarding public feedback on related environmental issues.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

CAO and Commissioners Committee

All commissions through participation in the Markham Trees for Tomorrow project team

RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________ ________________________

Peter Loukes, Commission Lead, Paul Ingham, General Community and Fire Services Manager, Operations

ATTACHMENTS:

None.

q:\commission share\operations and asset management\reports\2008\operations\business & technical\tft april 21 2008 report rev 0104.doc