Vote Tom Neale 
Monday, October 26th, 2026
St. Catharines City Council
St. Andrew's Ward 2

ArborSTC Candidate Survey for their Urban Forest Vision 

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1. Sum up your vision for the St. Catharines tree canopy in one sentence.

  A healthy, diverse and growing tree canopy, managed as essential municipal infrastructure, that protects the trees we have, strengthens our Garden City identity and makes our neighbourhoods cooler, greener and more resilient.  

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2. What role should the City's in-house forestry department play in maintaining the City's existing trees while continuing to plant new ones?

Our in-house forestry department should lead proactive, long-term urban forest management. As a Professional Engineer and former Chair of the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee, I believe in lifecycle management: understand condition, perform preventative maintenance, plan renewal and measure results. With the Niagara Official Plan now under City responsibility, we must turn canopy goals into action. Success isn’t simply how many trees we plant—it’s how many survive, mature and thrive.

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3. What role should trees and other green infrastructure play in protecting St. Catharines from extreme weather conditions?

We need both grey and green infrastructure. Our Climate Adaptation Plan recognizes trees and green infrastructure as tools to address hotter summers, flooding and stormwater. Trees, rain gardens and permeable surfaces can reduce heat and runoff and should be incorporated into capital projects and development where practical.  

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4. How would you ensure that the benefits of trees and green space are equitably distributed across St. Catharines?

Use canopy data to identify gaps and prioritize neighbourhoods with the greatest need. Our boulevard and free-tree programs are valuable, but access to green space and opportunities to participate shouldn’t depend on owning a backyard. I would expand opportunities for renters and residents of apartments and condos through community planting, partnerships and alternatives such as raised planters, giving more residents practical ways to help green their neighbourhoods.