The City of Selkirk has begun planting 1,000 new trees as part of a major expansion of its urban canopy.
The city says 500 trees are being planted this spring, with the remaining 500 to go into the ground in the fall. The trees will be planted on boulevards throughout Selkirk.
Mihali Schindle, Selkirk’s manager of climate action and environmental services, said the city has planted about 1,000 trees on boulevards and in park spaces since 2021.
“This year, the city is making strides in growing its urban canopy by doubling previous planting efforts and adding 1,000 new boulevard trees,” Schindle said. “This effort will further boost the city’s park and boulevard tree population by approximately 28 per cent.”
The project represents a $1.6-million investment in Selkirk’s tree canopy, with 94 per cent of the cost covered through grants.
The city says the total cost covers the life cycle of the project through the end of 2028, including watering and maintenance after the trees are planted.
“Because of grant funding, we’re investing in infrastructure at just six cents on the dollar,” said Selkirk CAO Duane Nicol. “Trees are infrastructure, and unlike pipes and pavement, they grow in value and function over time, delivering increasing benefits for generations.”
The city says its urban forestry work began in 2019 with the development of its Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Since then, Selkirk has introduced several measures connected to that plan, including a Street Tree Policy to guide tree maintenance, protection and canopy expansion.
The policy also supports planting a diverse mix of tree species. The city says that approach helps reduce the risk of losing large numbers of trees in one area if an invasive pest or disease is introduced.
By Steven Sukkau, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on May 10, 2026 at 17:33
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