Environment

FREE TREES! – Help grow our urban forest on private property and municipal boulevards

Oak Bay has trees available for Uplands residents – here’s how to get your free tree:

Step 1:  select where on your property you want a tree(s).  If you are unsure about locations, but are interested in getting a tree, Oak Bay Parks staff will help with the decision (note: this can include a tree for a boulevard area, not just on personal property)

Step 2: select a tree species for the proposed site.  Tree species include: Garry oak, hawthorn, dogwood, redwood, fir, ash and maples.  Oak Bay staff can also help with selection and advice re ongoing tree care

Step 3:  contact Oak Bay Parks at 250 592 7275 to let them know your interest and to schedule a visit

Step 4: In the Fall/Winter 2025, receive and plant the new tree(s) (staff will plant boulevard trees).

Why is the UNA supporting this initiative?

• Trees cool our neighbourhood and homes in the summer, providing shade and acting as nature’s ‘air conditioner’; they reduce home energy bills
• The mature tree canopy is one of Uplands’ most outstandingly beautiful features; trees increase Uplands’ biodiversity and reduce air pollution.

Visit https:connect.oakbay.ca/Coolkit  for more information on planting trees as a simple and smart climate action.

UNESCO: Camossung Urban Biosphere Region Project

CRD Climate Plan (June/’25): Motion to direct CRD staff to report on a potential UNESCO Biosphere Region, including related implications, was put forward by the CRD’s Environmental Services Committee and passed unanimously.  Staff will work on the report over the summer.

Uplands could have a key role in a new urban biosphere, given:

• Uplands is a designated National Historic Site (2019)
• Uplands Park
• Cattle Point Biodiversity area (2024)
• Garry oak meadows and shoreline ecosystems/rare and endangered species
• Unique landscape designed (Olmsted 1907/08).

Oak Bay Climate Action Program (CAP): 

Oak Bay’s CAP was approved in February, 2025 and received funding (3 years) through the Local Government Climate Action Program to support activities.  Initial focus will be on municipal CAP initiatives, followed by community CAP initiatives.  This work is supported by the UNA and is expected to involve considerable community engagement.

Examples of activities related to the new CAP include:

• Understanding the impact of climate change on Uplands’ natural green assets, such as the tree canopy
• Review of Oak Bay’s urban forest (Tree Protection) bylaw of 2020: given that mature trees are a significant and defining asset of Uplands, protection and penalties need review
• Prior to any increase in housing/construction, there needs to be consideration of ‘water events’ (e.g., floodplain construction in the Bowker Creek area)
• Importance of greenspaces and playgrounds to community quality of life.