‘Terrible decision’: Advocacy group concerned over proposed tree budget cut

An advocacy group is speaking out over a proposal to cut the city's tree budget to pay for upgrades to a zoo exhibit. CTV’s Jeff Keele explains.

A plan to divert $1.2 million from Winnipeg’s tree budget is not sitting well with a local advocacy group.

Trees Winnipeg Executive Director Christian Cassidy says this could impact Winnipeg’s canopy.

“I think it’s a terrible decision to make,” said Cassidy.

The Manitoba government is directing the city to divert $1.2 million for upgrades to the Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.

A city report is recommending the money come from the tree planting budget. The mayor’s Executive Policy Committee approved the change Tuesday. City Council has the final say.

“I wish we didn’t have to make this decision,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “I wish the province would have contributed an additional $1.2 million from their budget to fund this so council wouldn’t be put in a position to make a decision.”

A city report says this will delay the implementation of the city’s urban forest strategy. Cassidy says the tree planting money is needed to stem the loss of trees from blights like the Emerald Ash Borer and storms.

“That cut could mean thousands of trees not planted on city boulevards, city parks like this, in other places around the city,” said Cassidy.

Still, the city says this leaves $9.8 million in the tree budget, more than last year’s amount.

“We’re expediting or speeding up our pruning processes, so our trees stay healthier in our urban canopy,” said Gillingham.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy says the additional money is needed to maintain a filtration system, as the Journey to Churchill facilities are more than a decade old.

In a statement, a provincial spokesperson says they are proud to support the park.

“This funding will help ensure that the conservancy can continue to deliver quality services to families by enhancing its animal health centre, which is essential for attractions like the bears in the Journey to Churchill.”

But Cassidy questions why the money couldn’t come from somewhere else.

“Shave a little bit off here and there and make up $1.2 million, road construction, things like that,” said Cassidy.