City preparing for 2027 tree planting

The City of Medicine Hat’s Parks and Recreation team has started site preparation for 2027 tree planting within year two of the Growing Canada's Community Canopies (GCCC) grant program. The three-year program provides approximately 2200 trees annually to be planted on both public (800) and private (1400) property, helping continue the revitalization of the community’s beautiful tree network.

What site preparation does the City do, and why?

Staff will be pre-drilling holes for many of the 800 trees which will be planted in 2027. Site preparation helps save time and effort in the spring and allows staff to take advantage of the best planting conditions. If you see staff in these parks, please avoid the area and give them enough space to safely work.

These sites will be clearly marked, covered with plywood and staked down, leaving no open holes.  Please note, not all locations will be pre-drilled and prepared this fall – this work provides a head start on a significant planting initiative.

What locations are the City focusing on in 2027?

Our staff have selected approximately 30 different public parks and green spaces around the city to plant these 800 trees starting next spring. Some of these locations include (but are not limited to):

• Calder Park
• Moose Ball Complex
• Redwood Park
• Riverside Veterans Memorial Park
• Ross Glen linear parks:
  • Cameron Park
  • Ross Glen Park
  • Ross Haven Park
  • Rossland Park
  • Rossmere Park
• Ross Glen Towne Park
• Rotary Park
• Strathcona Island Park
• Taylor Park
• Tower Estates Park
• Valleyview Park

How does the City choose locations?

Parks and Recreation staff thoughtfully choose a mix of areas around the city. Some areas have very little tree coverage, and some have aging trees and need new ones for revitalization.

Staff also purposefully select where to plant the trees within these locations. Prioritization may be given to areas around amenities like playgrounds to provide future shade. Staff also carefully plan locations which make sure the parks and green spaces are still functional for activities that may take place.  It’s also important to choose irrigated parks to ensure their survival, while making sure the locations don’t interfere with irrigation infrastructure and other utilities.

The City of Medicine Hat appreciates residents’ shared passion for a vibrant urban forest in the community. If residents see plywood removed or any other damage at these sites, please call the Parks team at 403-529-8333 (option 6).

Public tree pickup opportunities

The City also continues to plan the public tree pickup element of the GCCC grant program, which provides residents with trees to plant on their private property. With high demand from residents in year one, the City is working to make the process more efficient and provide an even more enjoyable, successful experience. Information on the 2027 public tree pickup will be available by April.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca