HomeMy WebLinkAboutENG 07-25Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: ENG 07-25
Date: April 7, 2025
From: Richard Holborn
Director, Engineering Services
Subject: Urban Forest Study Update and Tree Canopy Cover Assessment
- File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1. That Council approve retaining the services of the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority to update the Urban Forest Study and complete a Tree Canopy Cover
Assessment, in accordance with the City’s Purchasing Policy, Appendix 1, item 8;
2. That the proposal submitted by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to update the
Urban Forest Study and complete a Tree Canopy Cover Assessment, in the amount of
$201,140.00 (HST included) be accepted;
3. That Council authorize staff to execute a letter of agreement with the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority to update the Urban Forest Study and complete a Canopy Cover
Assessment, on such terms as are satisfactory to the Director, Engineering Services and
the Director, Finance & Treasurer;
4. That the total gross project cost of $221,254.00 (HST included), including the fee amount
and other associated costs, and the total net project cost of $199,246.00 (net HST) be
approved;
5. That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the total net project
cost of $199,246.00 from the 2025 Current Budget, to be funded from Property Taxes;
and,
6. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary
actions as indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval to retain the
services of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to update the City’s Urban
Forest Study that was originally completed by the TRCA in 2012, and to complete a Tree
Canopy Cover Assessment. When the Urban Forest Study was completed in 2012, the intent
was to update the study every five years in order to assess the current state of the urban forest
and to monitor changes in its condition. Additional time has passed and Pickering’s urban
boundaries have expanded with the development of Seaton.
In the 2012 study, the northern boundary was the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail line,
south of Taunton Road. The update will include the entire area within the City of Pickering,
including the rural area of North Pickering. The objectives of the study will be:
ENG 07-25 April 7, 2025
Subject: Urban Forest Study Update and Tree Canopy Cover Assessment Page 2
• to assess the land cover and canopy cover distribution
• to quantify the current species composition, size and condition
• to quantify the ecosystem services and benefits provided by the urban forest
• to assess the change in canopy distribution and urban forest structure since the 2012 study
• to assess the vulnerability and key factors relating to the forests health from climate change
risks and invasive plant cover
In accordance with Purchasing Policy, Appendix 1, Item 8, the work or services to or from
other government agencies, utilities, provincial or federal agencies, crown corporations,
municipalities, public agencies or boards may be procured by obtaining one price, subject to
the funds being available in the Current or Capital Budgets.
Staff are recommending Council approval of the fee proposal submitted by the Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority to update the 2012 Urban Forest Study and to complete a Tree
Canopy Cover assessment, in the amount $201,140.00 (HST included) and a total net project
cost, including a 10% contingency, in the amount of $199,246.00 (Net HST).
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond
to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priorities of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe &
Healthy Community; Lead & Advocate for Environmental Stewardship, Innovation and
Resiliency; and Foster an Engaged & Informed Community.
Financial Implications:
1. Proposal Amount
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Fee Proposal
$178,000.00
HST (13%) 23,140.00
Total Gross Proposal Amount $201,140.00
2. Estimated Project Cost Summary
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Fee Proposal $178,000.00
Associated Costs
Contingency (10%) 17,800.00
Sub Total – Costs $195,800.00
HST (13%) 25,454.00
Total Gross Project Cost $221,254.00
HST Rebate (11.24%) (22,008.00)
Total Net Project Costs $199,246.00
ENG 07-25 April 7, 2025
Subject: Urban Forest Study Update and Tree Canopy Cover Assessment Page 3
3.Approved Source of Funds – 2025 Current Budget
Expense Code Source of Funds Budget Available Required
502230.10500 Property Taxes $230,000.00 $199,246.00
Net Project Cost under (over) Approved Funds $30,754.00
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval to retain the services
of the TRCA to update the City’s Urban Forest Study that was originally completed by them in
2012, and to complete a Tree Canopy Cover Assessment.
The urban forest is fundamental to social, economic, public and environmental health, and the
resilience of the City. It cleans the air, reduces stormwater run-off, moderates extreme heat,
sequesters carbon, provides habitat for local wildlife, and makes the city more attractive and
livable. The value of these services increases exponentially as healthy trees grow and thrive.
Effectively managing the urban forest requires a clear understanding of its current state. Trees
are adaptable to change, however, development pressures, climate change, urban growing
conditions and invasive species affect the health of the urban forest. A comprehensive study is
required to better understand the current makeup and health of the urban forest, in order to
address these challenges in a coordinated and cost effective way.
In the 2012 study, the northern boundary was the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail line,
south of Taunton Road. The update will include the entire area within the City of Pickering,
including the rural area of north Pickering. The objectives of the study will be to assess the
land cover and canopy cover distribution, to quantify the current species composition, size and
condition, to quantify the ecosystem services and benefits provided by the urban forest, to
assess the change in canopy distribution and urban forest structure since the 2012 study, and
to assess the vulnerability and key factors relating to the forests health from climate change
risks and invasive plant cover.
In the 2012 Urban Forest Study, approximately 200 randomly selected plots were used to
collect the tree data. TRCA will attempt to revisit as many of these plots as possible, and
document the changes to each site. Additional plots will be included in the updated study, to
cover areas of the municipality that were not included in the original study. The field data that
was collected in the 2012 study included ground cover, tree species, height, crown width,
crown dieback, crown light exposure, tree caliper, and shrub cover. These same attributes will
be documented in this study. In addition, and not previously documented, will be the distance
that the trees are from a building, the invasion level of major invasive plants, and the invasion
level of major pests such as insects and diseases.
Two new assessments will be included in the updated Urban Forest Study: Field Data Change
Assessment and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. The study will assess changes in
the distribution, function, and structure of trees and forests within the previous municipal urban
boundary and changes will be tested for statistical significance. Climate change relating to
increased heat/drought stress, increased occurrence and vulnerability to insects and disease,
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Subject: Urban Forest Study Update and Tree Canopy Cover Assessment Page 4
and more frequent and severe storms, will continue to impact the urban forest. Using the data
collected, the study will assess future climate suitability for the dominant species found within
the City.
Upon approval, TRCA will begin the study by undertaking the Land Cover and Canopy Cover
Assessment. This work is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025. Due to the lead time
required to obtain permission to enter private property, to gather the tree and ground cover
data from each of the selected plots, the field work for updating the Urban Forest Study will be
performed from May to September 2026, when the trees are in full leaf. Fieldwork preparation
and landowner outreach will start in the latter part of 2025, so that all approvals are in place for
the spring of 2026. The first draft of the report is anticipated to be completed by October of
2026, with the final draft and a Council presentation planned for Q1 of 2027.
In accordance with Purchasing Policy, Appendix 1, Item 8, the work or services to or from
other government agencies, utilities, provincial or federal agencies, crown corporations,
municipalities, public agencies or boards may be procured by obtaining one price, subject to
the funds being available in the Current or Capital Budgets.
Staff recommend approval of the proposal submitted by the TRCA to update the Urban Forest
Study and to complete a Tree Canopy Cover assessment, in the amount $201,140.00 (HST
included) and a total net project costs including a 10% contingency, in the amount of
$199,246.00 (Net HST).
Attachment: None
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Arnold Mostert, O.A.L.A. Richard Holborn, P. Eng.
Manager, Landscape & Parks Development Director, Engineering Services
Cathy Bazinet, CPPB, NIGP-CPP Stan Karwowski, MBA, CPA, CMA
Manager, Procurement Director, Finance & Treasurer
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Original signed by:Original signed by:
Original signed by:Original signed by:
ENG 07-25 April 7, 2025
Subject: Urban Forest Study Update and Tree Canopy Cover Assessment Page 5
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Original signed by: