District secures $15k in provincial funding to help create a healthier community

The District of Squamish in partnership with OurSquamish has been successful in receiving a grant in the amount of $15,000 from the Province of BC’s PlanH program. Funded by the Ministry of Health and administered by BC Healthy Communities, the PlanH program supports local and Indigenous governments to create healthier communities through resources, practices and learning opportunities that focus on people, society and the environment. The District will utilize the funding to conduct a study in Downtown Squamish aimed at informing Council and Staff on the status and value of urban tree canopy in the neighbourhood with a focus on equitable access to green space among residents.

The study will provide recommended policy and regulation changes to increase retention and encourage urban tree canopy increases as well as guide the District’s development of a long-term urban forest strategy for Squamish. An Urban Forest Management Strategy is expected to be proposed to Council in the 2024-2028 Financial Plan. 

The District was one of 33 municipalities to receive a portion of the total $250,000 available in funding.

Why having adequate urban tree coverage is important:

• Helps fight against the effects of climate change by capturing and storing carbon.
• Supports biodiversity and offers food and shelter for wildlife.
• Absorbs rainwater and stabilizes soils.
• Lowers ambient air temperatures and provides refuge from heat and UV.
• Improves the health and well-being of residents.

More information will be available as the project progresses.

Read the grant announcement release from the Government of British Columbia here.

Learn more about BC Healthy Communities here.

August 3, 2023