It has been well researched that tree cover is not equitably distributed in Toronto, with low-income communities often having lower canopy cover. Communities that do not have healthy canopy cover experience higher surface temperatures because of the urban heat island effect and the multitude of resiliency benefits that trees provide (both physical and psychological) are not shared equally. With urban temperatures rising because of climate change, this inequitable access to the environmental and health-related benefits that trees provide is of growing importance.
With support from the Arbor Day Foundation, Salesforce and the City of Toronto, LEAF carryied out a 1-year pilot initiative ending in June 2024 to increase tree planting activities and grow the urban forest in low-canopy Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs). According to the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy 2020, NIAs are defined as neighbourhoods facing the most inequitable (unnecessary, unfair and unjust) outcomes in five key areas: economic opportunities, social development, healthy lives, participation in decision-making and physical surroundings.
Low-canopy is defined as anything below 26.9%, which is the average canopy cover in Toronto, based on the most recent tree canopy and neighborhood data. Of the 33 NIAs in Toronto, 23 have below average canopy cover.
© 2024 City of Toronto. Click to view large map.
Learn more about this initiative
1. View our Tree Equity Factsheet:
© 2024 LEAF. Click to view pdf version.
2. Read more on our blogs:
Help Grow a More Equitable Urban Forest
To achieve canopy growth where most needed, Toronto property owners located in low-canopy NIAs had the opportunity to plant for free on their property during our one-year pilot! In total, we helped residents plant 317 native trees and shrubs
We are currently evaluating the impact of our pilot project and seeking support to offer accessible greening incentives over the long-term.
The NIAs we supported were:
- Beechborough-Greenbrook
- Black Creek
- Downsview
- Eglinton East
- Glenfield-Jane Heights
- Golfdale-Cedarbrae-Woburn
- Humber Summit
- Humbermede
- Ionview
- Keelesdale-Eglinton West
- Kennedy Park
- Kingsview Village-The Westway
- Mount Olive-Silverstone-Jamestown
- Oakdale-Beverley Heights
- Regent Park
- Rockcliffe-Smythe
- Rustic
- South Parkdale
- Thorncliffe Park
- Weston
- Weston-Pelham Park
- Woburn North
- York University Heights
Here are some other ways that you can help improve the urban forest in your community!
Join an Educational Program
Tree Tenders Volunteer Training Course
Learn all about trees from expert instructors and connect with other nature lovers! This course is great for all skill-levels.
Youth (ages 18 to 29) can take part in a free, four-month (May to August) training and mentorship program that provides valuable experience in the fields of arboriculture, urban forestry and community engagement. The program seeks to support Toronto youth from equity-deserving groups within arboriculture and urban forestry.
Youth (ages 18 to 29) can take part in a free, one-month (fall), educational program that provides an in-depth overview of Toronto’s ravines, community stewardship and career development. The program seeks to support Toronto youth from Toronto NIAs and/or equity-deserving groups within ravine ecology, urban forestry and environmental stewardship.
In-person guided walks that focus on tree identification and fun tree facts.
Volunteering
There are many ways to get involved! Please note that we only accept volunteers over the age of 18. Opportunities include:
- Planting and Stewardship Events
- Garden Steward Teams
- Community Outreach and Education
- Much more!
LEAF offers many events throughout the year that provide opportunities for people to learn more about the urban forest.
Take direct environmental action and learn about how we can protect and care for our urban forest ecosystem. These fun, community-building events allow people to be part of the solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. Please note that community tree planting events take place in York Region and Durham Region.
Supporting Partners
