The City of Selkirk is developing a comprehensive Urban Forest Strategy that will provide a long-term, practical plan to protect, grow, and manage the City’s urban forest. The Strategy will support a healthier environment, resilient neighbourhoods, community well-being, and responsible management of city assets.
Trees are essential infrastructure, providing benefits such as cooling neighbourhoods, managing stormwater, improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing quality of life. Regular maintenance and monitoring also help identify hazards and keep residents safe.
Like many communities, Selkirk’s urban forest faces challenges including climate change, aging trees, pests and disease, development pressures, and limited resources. The Strategy will guide future decision-making, help ensure equitable tree canopy coverage across neighbourhoods, and establish measurable goals for urban forestry over the next 10 years.
To ensure the Strategy aligns with Selkirk’s broader vision and priorities, its development is being guided by several key plans and documents, including:
- Selkirk’s Community Strategic Plan(adopted in 2014);
- Selkirk’s Capital Asset Management Strategy (adopted in 2017);
- Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (2019-2029), developed with support from the Prairie Climate Centre at the University of Winnipeg (adopted in 2019); and
- Selkirk’s Street Tree Policy, (adopted 2021)
How is the strategy being created?
This project is being developed in partnership with urban forestry experts and City staff, drawing on years of data collected by the City. Approximately 80% of the project cost is being funded through grants. The project is currently in its early stages. The team is reviewing the state of Selkirk’s urban forest through background research, technical analysis, and community input. This review will examine what trees we have and where they’re located, the benefits they provide, the threats they face, how tree maintenance and monitoring protect public safety, and how policies could be improved. The final Strategy will bring this information together into clear goals and policy direction for managing Selkirk’s urban forest.
What are the goals of the strategy?
Selkirk recognizes its trees as critical infrastructure that support public health, environmental resilience, and community well-being. The Strategy will treat urban trees as valuable assets, working to protect, enhance, and expand the urban forest. This means addressing challenges like climate change, pests, and development, while keeping trees well-maintained and monitored to protect resident safety and using resources where they’ll have the greatest impact. Specific targets and goals will be developed over the coming months. The goals and targets the strategy presents will be shaped by technical analysis, background research, and public input, guided by the community vision set out in the City’s Strategic Plan, Capital Asset Management By-Law, Climate Adaptation Strategy, and Street Tree Policy.
How can I learn more and provide input?
Join us at the Public Open House!
When: Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, 5:00pm – 8:00pm | Come-and-go
Where: Selkirk Recreation Complex Banquet Hall – 180 Easton Dr, Selkirk, MB R1A 0W6
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an urban forest strategy?
An urban forest strategy is a long-term, city-wide framework for planning, protecting, expanding, and managing a municipality’s trees and green infrastructure. It will map out the current urban forest, set canopy cover targets, and recommend policies to protect trees and guide new planting. It will also assess maintenance practices to support tree health and public safety, review the equity of canopy distribution across the city, and identify ways to meet climate and resilience goals. Finally, it will point to funding and partnership opportunities and set up frameworks for community engagement and ongoing monitoring.
Why does the City of Selkirk need an urban forest strategy?
Selkirk needs an urban forest strategy because of growing pressure on its tree canopy and exposure to climate extremes. In recent years, Dutch Elm Disease has killed hundreds of the City’s elm trees, and threats like the invasive Emerald Ash Borer and climate-related stress continue to put the canopy at risk. The strategy will create a proactive plan to address these threats through species diversification, succession planting, and policies that protect trees — along with regular maintenance and monitoring to catch hazards early and keep residents safe. Aligned with the City’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the strategy will also help build resilience through stormwater management, bank stabilization, windbreaks, and expanded shade to counter hot summers.
When will Selkirk’s Urban Forest Strategy be implemented?
The project is currently in its early stages. Analysis of collected data will take place over the summer and a first draft is planned for October 2026. Presentation to council is expected in December 2026 with the goal of the final strategy being implemented for the beginning of 2027.
Questions?
Questions will be best answered at the open house, however you can also reach out through CitizenSupport via email at citizensupport@cityofselkirk.com or by phone at 204-785-4900.