Mayor looks to reverse decision to cut $1.2 million from tree planting program

Mayor Scott Gillingham hopes to cancel a decision that would chop $1.2 million from the city’s tree planting program, following public opposition.

The Manitoba government recently directed the city to spend an additional $1.236 million of its provincial “strategic infrastructure basket” funding on the Assiniboine Park Conservancy Journey to Churchill Exhibit, according to a city finance report.

Finance officials recommended transferring some tree funding to fill the gap, and council’s executive policy committee voted in favour of the plan on Tuesday.

However, the mayor said public feedback has now convinced him to raise a new proposal to find the money elsewhere.

“Winnipeggers care deeply about our urban forest, and I’ve heard that clearly,” said Gillingham, in a press release. “The public wants this tree-planting funding protected. I agree, and I’ll be bringing forward a plan to (city) council next week to do exactly that.”

The mayor said a detailed proposal will be raised at the July 16 city council meeting, which would require a final council vote.