Vancouver Park Board endorses commemorative tree program

Vancouverites could soon be able donate money to have a commemorative tree planted in a city park.

Park board commissioner Catherine Evans proposed the idea, saying it would allow people to remember loved ones or events, and at the same time help the city reach its goal of boosting the urban forest.

The goal of the strategy is to plant 150,000 new trees in the city. However since 2010, only 35,000 have been planted.

"People have been asking for it. A lot of times, people would like to plant a tree to commemorate a life event, a birth, for example, an anniversary even, and of course a death," said Evans.

Currently people can donate $4,000 to have a plaque mounted on a park bench for ten years. Evans proposes a commemorative tree could cost between $400 and $600.

"A tree is a much more affordable option," she said.

Evans took her motion to her fellow park board commissioners, and after some amendments, it was passed unanimously on Monday night.

City staff will report back in September with a plan for the board to approve.