Urban Forest Management Plan

Urban Forest Management Plan

The City of Regina is preparing a new Urban Forest Management Plan to guide how we will care for trees over the next 15 years.

The urban forest is made up of trees, plants, soils, and natural areas found across the city. With more than 550,000 trees spread throughout our streets, parks, and yards, Regina’s urban forest plays a pivotal role in cooling our neighbourhoods, enhancing public spaces, and supporting community health, equity, and well-being. For over two decades, these valuable natural assets have been managed under Regina’s Urban Forest Management Strategy (RUFMS; 2000). Now, with continued urban growth, changing climate conditions, extreme weather, pests, and diseases, it’s time for a new plan that reflects current realities and community needs.

The new UFMP will lay out a clear vision and goals for Regina’s trees, and we’re inviting you to be a part of that process. Additional targeted engagement will also be done with interested parties and Indigenous community members. By sharing your thoughts, experiences, and ideas, you can help ensure the UFMP reflects a shared, community-supported vision and framework for managing Regina’s urban forest over the next 15 years.

All engagement tools listed below closed on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

The City of Regina is preparing a new Urban Forest Management Plan to guide how we will care for trees over the next 15 years.

The urban forest is made up of trees, plants, soils, and natural areas found across the city. With more than 550,000 trees spread throughout our streets, parks, and yards, Regina’s urban forest plays a pivotal role in cooling our neighbourhoods, enhancing public spaces, and supporting community health, equity, and well-being. For over two decades, these valuable natural assets have been managed under Regina’s Urban Forest Management Strategy (RUFMS; 2000). Now, with continued urban growth, changing climate conditions, extreme weather, pests, and diseases, it’s time for a new plan that reflects current realities and community needs.

The new UFMP will lay out a clear vision and goals for Regina’s trees, and we’re inviting you to be a part of that process. Additional targeted engagement will also be done with interested parties and Indigenous community members. By sharing your thoughts, experiences, and ideas, you can help ensure the UFMP reflects a shared, community-supported vision and framework for managing Regina’s urban forest over the next 15 years.

All engagement tools listed below closed on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Urban Forest Questions

We're open to receiving your questions about the Urban Forest Management Plan here. This Questions tool will remain open until June 30, 2025.

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  • In the new or existing management plan are their opportunities for residents to volunteer in tree planting initiatives facilitated by the city?

    robhum asked 5 months ago

    We hope to see more community-led requests for tree planting initiatives, whether through Community Associations or schools.  We believe this is a wonderful opportunity, particularly for school children.  While we don’t actively seek partnerships, as this has proven difficult in the past, we welcome groups to approach us. When they do, we will work with them to develop an event plan and provide support.

  • I understand Burr Oak are native to Saskatchewan and lives 50 to 100 years. I planted one in my yard and it’s the most beautiful tree I think I’ve ever seen. Respecting the fact it’s native to Saskatchewan, lasts a life time, requires almost no pruning is resident to decease why doesn’t the city plant significantly more?

    robhum asked 5 months ago

    We love the Burr Oak too!  However, we only buy from suppliers that grow their stock in Saskatchewan.  Burr Oak are not always available, but we regularly ask for them in our orders.

  • Over the past 2 or 3 years Parks Maintenance has increased their string trimming by at least 3 fold. In the 5 Northwest Parks I spend considerable time in this had exponentially increased the damage and death of the Parks trees. Do you track the number of trees damaged or killed by careless string trimming? Is the District Supervisor held accountable? Its sad measures have to put in place to protect the trees from Parks Maintain but based on my observations it is an unquestionable necessity. Do you agree and if you do what measures will the Management Plan put in place to achieve this goal?

    robhum asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for sharing your concern. Our Parks Maintenance supervisors regularly coach staff to prevent damage to park assets, including trees. The District Supervisor has been notified of this issue. When new trees are planted, we install protective caging around them to help prevent both rodent damage and accidental mechanical damage.

  • Over Half the city trees have been removed from our Crescent over the past few years. Within the next few years it’s probable their will be virtually no trees left on our Cresc. When resources our deployed to remove a tree why wouldn’t they be supplemented with the ability to plant a replacement tree(s) at the same time? This maximize the resource synergies between departments and ensure the tree canopy is maintained. In my view current tree replanting program is grossly inadequate.

    robhum asked 5 months ago

    Tree removals, stumping and planting are handled by separate crews within the same branch of the Parks & Open Space Services Department. It is best practice to allow roots to dry and decompose before replanting in the same location (or nearby). This process takes time, which is why tree removal and planting are not completed in a single visit.

  • Has the city applied for funding from the Federal Government’s 2 billion tree program.

    robhum asked 5 months ago

    Yes. We submitted an application in 2023 but were not successful.

  • How is the city's Naturalist engaged in this review?

    w.a.w asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The City currently does not have a Naturalist position on staff. However, professionals such as landscape architects and arborists are part of the team reviewing the Urban Forest Master Plan.

  • The city does not seem to have any current goals for the urban forest against which performance can be measured, why?

    w.a.w asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The City reognizes the importance of setting clear goals for Regina's urban forest. While there are currently no formal performance measures in place, the new Urban Forest Master Plan will include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to establish clear goals and measurable outcomes.

  • Why is the city, unlike other cities in Canada, ignoring/avoiding funding from a variety of sources for enhancing the urban forest landscape in Regina?. i.e. almost $10 million being ignored at FCM.

    w.a.w asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. We believe you are referring to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and its Green Municipal Fund. The City is committed to pursuing funding opportunities that support the growth and sustainability of Regina’s urban forest. We are aware of these programs and have previously applied for Natural Resources Canada’s 2 Billion Trees initiative, which is now cancelled. We continue to monitor and evaluate funding options to ensure they align with our priorities and eligibility requirements. We have a dedicated person on staff who manages all the grant applications.

Page last updated: 12 Nov 2025, 02:45 PM