THUNDER BAY – Money may not grow on trees, but one Thunder Bay city councillor sees potential for big savings in a plan for the city to grow more of its own.
Council will consider a motion from Coun. Peng You on Monday requesting a report on the feasibility of the city growing trees in-house, and of building an urban fruit tree orchard.
You sees the idea as a way to leverage a multi-million dollar commitment to replace the production greenhouses next door to the Centennial Botanical Conservatory, which is also being renewed.
“If we invest money, we want to see the best value,” the at-large councillor said.
It’s expensive purchasing trees from elsewhere, You said, and suggested those purchased from outside the city were not always optimized for a northern climate.
He cited an estimate of $500 to purchase and plant large caliper trees and $170 to purchase and plant small caliper trees.
The idea also aligns with the city’s recently-passed net-zero emissions plan, with its goal of planting 100,000 additional trees within city boundaries by 2050, he said.
“At this time Administration says there is no program in place to meet the demand projected by the net-zero strategy,” reads a memo from You accompanying his motion.
He envisions a tree-planting program supporting the net-zero target, along with routine small- and large-caliper tree replacement on city boulevards and green spaces.
The city offers plenty of potential locations for an orchard, he said, suggesting Chapples Park as one possibility.
You said he'd look for recommendations from administration on whether to sell, process, or donate fruit from an orchard.
If You’s motion passes on Monday, administration will be directed to report back to council by Dec. 20, in time for consideration for the 2022 budget. The report would include estimated costs and potential savings, as well as revenue generating opportunities.
You said he’s not certain the plan will prove feasible, but believes it’s well worth exploring.
City staff were not immediately available for comment on this story.
