Example of a press release HHTW generated for the Mayoral Election:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto’s Tree Canopy Under Attack: People for Trees TO Launches Citywide Movement for Mayoral Race

Toronto, ON – [Date] – People for Trees TO, a newly formed group of concerned Torontonians, is launching a citywide movement to address the urgent issue of Toronto’s diminishing urban tree canopy.  As Toronto’s population grows, so does the threat to our green infrastructure, with trees being lost faster than they are being replaced. In response, People for Trees TO is calling on mayoral candidates to sign a pledge to protect and grow Toronto’s tree canopy.

The goal of People for Trees TO is to inform the public about the alarming rate at which our urban tree canopy is disappearing and mobilize them to take action. They are urging residents of all ages to sign a petition that requests mayoral candidates to commit to specific measures that will ensure the growth and preservation of Toronto’s tree canopy.

To achieve their objective of reaching a 40% tree canopy within the next 10 years, People for Trees TO is asking candidates to agree to the following measurable action steps over the next 3 years if elected:

Save more trees by increasing the number of private trees protected: All trees over 15cm should be safeguarded.

Reclaim and restore our Greenness: Reclaim green space from hard surfaces and protect and restore lost green infrastructure within a 300-meter radius.

Build our Green Infrastructure: Legislate at least 2 native trees on each private property, with additional trees depending on the property size. Preserve adequate plantable space and soil volume to sustain trees to maturity, lasting over 100 years.

Increase street trees by 50%: Plant 100,000 new trees annually and focus on planting and maintaining more trees along roads and pedestrian boulevards, particularly in high-density areas.

“We are losing our urban tree canopy at an alarming rate,” warns Judy Gibson, representative of People for Trees TO. “City Council’s commitment to increasing our tree canopy to 40% remains far from reality. Two-thirds of Toronto has lost trees and green infrastructure in the past decade, and the conversion of green space to hard surfaces is on the rise. Our green infrastructure plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, improving air quality, reducing flooding, and enhancing mental and physical health. Without significant action, Toronto will struggle to remain a livable city as it continues to grow and create more housing.”

People for Trees TO emphasizes the importance of preserving and protecting the tree canopy amidst the city’s plans for increased density and housing development. The recently passed citywide rezoning, allowing multiplex housing, raises concerns about the conversion of neighbourhood green space and the removal of trees to accommodate larger buildings. While the city engages in some replanting efforts, these often fail to address the areas where green space and trees were lost. Moreover, many city-planted trees do not survive or receive adequate maintenance and replacement when needed.

The group urges the city to prioritize the preservation and protection of Toronto’s dwindling tree canopy with each approved building. A commitment to stronger tree protection measures is crucial to striking a better balance between development and environmental sustainability.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact: 

XXXXXXXXX