Farah Gulzar
"Ottawa should treat its tree canopy as essential public infrastructure. Trees provide shade, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, manage stormwater, support biodiversity and make neighbourhoods healthier and more enjoyable.
I would support protecting mature and healthy trees wherever reasonably possible, increasing tree planting on streets and in parks, and ensuring that new development includes meaningful opportunities for trees and green space.
The City should prioritize areas with low tree canopy and high exposure to extreme heat, so that tree planting benefits are distributed equitably across Ottawa rather than concentrated in already well-treed neighbourhoods.
We also need to ensure that newly planted trees are properly maintained so that planting targets translate into healthy, long-term canopy rather than simply numbers on a report.
The goal should be not only to plant more trees, but to grow and protect a healthy, resilient urban forest for future generations."
Shawn Menard
"Unlike rural areas, where trees can be planted with ease, in Capital Ward we must make space for large, mature trees in our existing urban landscape. To achieve this, we must install soil cells in sidewalks, add new plantings in parks and during road renewals, and protect our existing mature canopy wherever possible. I passed motions to increase protection for distinctive trees in both urban and suburban areas, and passed bylaws to ensure the automatic replanting of downed street trees. We also changed the new zoning bylaw, thanks to excellent work of Old Ottawa East residents, to ensure enough yard space for larger trees. Greater resources are needed for tree planting and protection, and partnering with volunteer community groups to do so is vital."