Kamloops is steadily moving toward its goal of 20% tree canopy coverage, but city staff say climate change, drought, insects and new housing regulations are putting increasing strain on its urban forest. The update was presented Nov. 27 to the Livability and Sustainability Select Committee by Parks Manager Jeff Putnam, who delivered both a verbal report and the City’s 2025 Urban Forestry Update.

Kamloops’ canopy sat at 12% in 2016 before rising to 15.7% in 2020, according to LiDAR imaging. Another assessment is expected within the next two years.

“We’re very hopeful it’ll be much closer to 20%,” Putnam told councillors, calling the progress “an achievement we’re very proud of,” especially given Kamloops’ semi-arid climate and limited natural irrigation.

Growing the Urban Forest

The City currently manages more than 18,000 trees on municipal land, each tracked in a detailed database and maintained on a seven-year cycle by the city’s six full-time arborists. Staff respond to approximately 900 service requests annually, from pruning to storm damage.

To reach canopy targets, the City has been planting at least 200 large-caliper boulevard and park trees every year. Meanwhile, residents are contributing significantly through the Tree Coupon Program, which now distributes 1,000 coupons annually through pre-approved retailers. Nearly 900 coupons were redeemed last year, a sharp increase since the program was streamlined.

Putnam also highlighted the success of the Boulevard Tree Program, which relies on a “neighbourhood champion” to secure full participation on each street. The City plants the trees, and homeowners commit to watering.

Pressures on the Canopy

Despite positive momentum, the report outlines major challenges:

• Extreme heat and sudden temperature swings are stunting growth or killing young trees.
• Drought and water restrictions are limiting irrigation during critical times.
• Pests such as pine beetle, spruce budworm and Douglas-fir tussock moth continue to require monitoring.
• Housing densification under Provincial Bill 44 increases the chances of accidental tree removal on private properties, which are not fully protected under the bylaw unless larger than two hectares.
• Vandalism, including pulled saplings and damage to mature trees, is on the rise.

Invasive trees — including Siberian elm, Russian olive and the fast-spreading tree of heaven — are also a growing concern. Putnam explained that removal often requires aggressive management and, in some cases, pesticide treatment.

Education and New Tools

Public education and engagement continue to expand through an online Kamloops Trees map showing all municipal trees, a self-guided tree tour using QR codes, and a new arboretum at the Old Men’s Cemetery on 6th Avenue. The City also uses Cityworks software to track service requests more efficiently.

The urban forestry team is working closely with developers and engineers to protect existing trees during construction and to require new street trees where feasible. Mature tree transplants — instead of removals — have been successfully completed at Greenstone Park, Riverside Park, and Albert McGowan Park.

Councillor Stephen Karpuk, who chaired the meeting, closed the discussion by thanking city staff and remarking that residents often comment on how green Kamloops appears “for a desert city.”

The City expects to update its canopy measurement in the next year or two, providing a clearer picture of whether Kamloops is on track to meet its 20% canopy goal.