A growing body of research shows that regularly spending time around trees provides a wide range of human health benefits, from lowering stress to improving cognition to boosting longevity, according to Harvard experts.

OurSquamish and the District of Squamish are assessing the urban tree canopy within Downtown Squamish as it relates to healthy communities.This project is made possible by the generous support of the PlanH Healthy Communities Grant and is a first step in advancing the larger District of Squamish-led Urban Forest Management Strategy project, budgeted for 2026.

Communities across North America are assessing tree canopy coverage in their communities as trees provide a range of important ecosystem services for humans including shading, carbon storage, reducing paved surface heat island effects, stormwater management, and physical, mental, and social well‐being. As Downtown Squamish grows, new streetscape upgrades will include new street trees, but development can also come at a loss of existing mature trees on private properties.

This work aims to understand how much tree coverage and greenery there is Downtown, if it is fairly distributed, where we can make improvements with new trees, and where we should support retention of existing trees. The information gathered from the study will form recommendations for future policy in shaping our tree canopy Downtown, and will be used as an initial guide for the 2026 study.

Knowing the state of the tree canopy is important for the health and well-being of the Squamish community and has important environmental impacts. We would like to hear your thoughts on the current state of trees in Downtown Squamish. Your insight will help shape where future trees may be planted and where current trees should be kept. Your input will also help to highlight what the Squamish community values most about trees in urban areas. Deadline to complete the survey is November 20.

Survey goal: to capture the perceptions of the urban tree canopy in Downtown Squamish.

Use of results: to assist in policy directions for urban tree canopy planning in Downtown Squamish by showing community priorities and values.