Gillingham reverses course, will preserve Winnipeg’s tree planting budget

Mayor Scott Gillingham will introduce a new motion to avoid trimming the city's tree planting budget following public feedback.

Mayor Scott Gillingham is reversing plans to cut the city’s tree planting budget after facing public backlash over the proposal.

The mayor’s office announced on Thursday that Gillingham will bring forward a motion to city council next week to maintain full funding for tree planting under the 2026 Urban Forest Renewal Program.

The reversal follows a provincial directive requiring the city to divert $1.2 million toward upgrades for the Journey to Churchill exhibit at Assiniboine Park Zoo. A city report recommended the funds come from the tree planting budget, a proposal the mayor’s executive policy committee approved earlier this week.

That plan drew criticism from advocacy groups, including Trees Winnipeg executive director Christian Cassidy who warned that the cut could set back the city’s efforts to protect its tree canopy from threats such as the emerald ash borer and storm damage.

A city report also noted that shifting the money would delay implementation of Winnipeg’s Urban Forest Strategy.

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

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy said the additional zoo funding is necessary to maintain a filtration system at the Journey to Churchill facilities, which are more than a decade old.

Funding for that project will remain in place, with a mayor’s office spokesperson saying officials are now looking at alternative sources to cover the cost instead of drawing from the tree budget.

City council adopted Winnipeg’s first Urban Forest Strategy in 2023. Since then, total funding for urban forestry has grown from $21 million in 2022 to $33.6 million in 2026 — a 60 per cent increase the city says represents the highest level of spending in its history.

Gillingham’s proposal is expected to go before city council for consideration at its July 16 meeting.

“Our urban forest is part of what makes Winnipeg livable, resilient, and beautiful,” Gillingham said. “When residents speak up for something that matters, City Hall should listen. That’s what we’re doing.”

- With files from CTV’s Jeff Keele