Surrey Designated as a Tree City for Second Consecutive Year

Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey has been recognized as a member of the Tree Cities of the World Program by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Arbor Day Foundation for the second consecutive year.  

“We are proud to be a member of the Tree Cities of the World Program for a second year in a row,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “As the stewards of our parkland and natural habitats, we are committed to sustainability and building a legacy for future generations. It is an honour to be recognized for our commitment in ensuring the careful management and protection of our urban forests are balanced with our City’s growth.”  

The Tree Cities of the World Program is an international initiative intended to recognize cities and towns that are committed to ensuring their urban forests are celebrated, properly maintained and sustainably managed. To be recognized as a “Tree City”, a community must meet five core standards that illustrate a commitment to caring for its trees and forests.  

“This recognition speaks to Surrey’s ongoing commitment to creating a healthy, green and thriving community,” added Councillor Alisson Patton, Chair of the Agriculture, Environment and Investment Committee. “We will continue to move forward with initiatives and policies that support Surrey’s biodiversity, while educating residents on the importance of protecting and managing our urban forests.”

The five standards include demonstrating an established framework of responsibility that delegates responsibility of tree care in the City; established bylaws and official policies that guide the management of the City’s forests and trees; a comprehensive inventory of the City’s forests and trees; a dedicated funding to support the implementation of the City’s forest and tree management plans; and annual celebrations of trees to raise awareness among residents. 

The City was selected as an inaugural member of the Tree Cities of the World Program in 2019.  

Successful applicants are required to complete an annual recertification application that will provide an update on new urban forestry initiatives that were completed in the previous year, including tree plantings and public celebrations.  

For more information on the Tree Cities of the World Program go to treecitiesoftheworld.org. 

For more information on the City’s urban forestry management strategy go to surrey.ca/trees.