Downtown and school Forests ASAP

I echo the visions and wise words I've read here, especially the importance of equity and cooling. Two sectors that are under-treed are the downtown core and school yards. Downtown core: If you've ever walked down princess St., had lunch at a downtown patio, or hung out in Market square on a hot summer day, you've probably yearned for a bit of shade. I've welcomed the new planter, including the planters on the backs of benches (they add some cooling and a bit of visual relief from the pavement), and the occasional tree, but more trees are needed. I've spoken with the city arborist who said his efforts to include more trees downtown have failed.

Schools: Historically, schools gardens and trees have been at the mercy of an interested teacher or administrator, with the support of individual families and school councils, to make these project happen. Trees have been a very hard sell with the board resulting in stalled or cancelled projects. An LDSB policy, with a plan for every school, could make a difference in planting much sooner.