Coquitlam Council will vote in May on the Urban Forest Management Strategy—but the current draft still falls short on protecting our trees.

Residents, advisory groups, and subject matter experts have spent years providing input, and these concerns are also reflected in the City’s own background studies and reports.

Without changes, we risk losing more trees than we can replace.

We are asking Council to strengthen the Strategy before it is finalized.

 
What we are asking for

1. Track whether we are actually gaining or losing trees

Set clear canopy targets and measure changes over time—by neighbourhood—so we know if our tree cover is improving or declining, not just how many trees are planted. 
2. Commit to updating the Tree Bylaw

Bring forward a plan within the first year to update Coquitlam’s outdated Tree Management Bylaw so it better protects mature trees and reflects current best practices.

3. Use existing data to protect vulnerable neighbourhoods

Make public and use the City’s existing heat and tree equity maps to guide where trees are protected and planted, ensuring all neighbourhoods benefit.

 
Why this matters

Mature trees provide cooling, reduce flooding, support biodiversity, and make our neighbourhoods more livable.

These benefits take decades to replace.

Without stronger protections, Coquitlam risks continued canopy loss—especially as development increases. 

Take Action

Time is short—Council is expected to make a decision this spring, and residents only have a limited window to be heard.

Sign this petition and share it with others.

👉 Learn more, access background information, sample letters, and Council email contacts

at:
RoyStibbsResidents.ca

 
More Details 

For those who want additional detail, these recommendations include:

1. Canopy TrackingA regular measurement of total tree canopy—by neighbourhood—to determine whether overall canopy is increasing or decreasing, not just how many trees are planted.

2. Tree Bylaw ReviewA commitment to bring forward a staff report within the first year to review and update Coquitlam’s Tree Management Bylaw (last updated in 2010), the primary tool for protecting trees—especially on private land and development sites.

3. Heat and Tree Equity MappingUse and publicly share existing City maps identifying heat vulnerability and tree distribution to guide fair and effective tree protection and planting across all neighbourhoods.

👉 For full background, analysis, and supporting documents, visit RoyStibbsResidents.ca

 
Closing

These are practical, evidence-based steps—many already in place in neighbouring municipalities and supported by the City’s own planning work.

We urge Mayor and Council to strengthen the Urban Forest Management Strategy before it is adopted.