The City of Selkirk, Manitoba, is launching a major effort to expand its local tree canopy by planting 1,000 new trees throughout the community in 2026. This initiative sees 500 trees being added this spring, with the remaining 500 to be planted in the fall, focusing primarily on city boulevards.
This project represents a $1.6 million investment in the community’s green infrastructure, with 94 per cent of the funding provided through grants. The expansion is a significant increase from previous years; for comparison, the city planted 64 trees as the first of many to be planted over the coming five years.
The planting program is guided by the city’s Street Tree Policy, which manages the maintenance, protection, and growth of the urban forest. The policy prioritizes planting a diverse mix of tree species to ensure the canopy remains resilient against invasive pests and various diseases. This approach also supports the community’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, which was adopted in 2019 to help prepare the area for future environmental changes.
In addition to the new plantings, Selkirk is using technology to manage its urban forest. The city is currently the first municipality in Canada to pilot an artificial intelligence-enhanced system known as a Talking Urban Forest. This system uses sensor technology to monitor the health of trees, helping city staff optimize maintenance and ensure the new canopy remains a long-term asset for all residents.
