Growth below canopies: trees & water guiding Steinbach's urban growth & development

Abstract

When planning new city expansions or urban developments, trees and green spaces are often thought of at the end of a project; this means grey infrastructure is laid out first, and remaining spaces are then planted. The downside to this workflow is that trees are sensitive beings that already struggle to survive in urban spaces. If we think about them at the end of a project, we cannot guarantee that their needs are met and ultimately ensure their longevity. Therefore, it is essential to protect existing forests while continuing to encourage new tree plantings in suitable sites to ensure optimal survival in urban environments. This practicum aims to establish an urban forest network for the growing city of Steinbach, Manitoba, found in the southern prairies. It will explore Steinbach’s urban growth and propose a green network that aligns with the city’s future development. The tree profile of Steinbach will be analyzed through mapping to illustrate the current state of its urban canopy. The practicum aims to develop a comprehensive city-wide urban forest strategy that utilizes existing spatial treescapes and, through new plantings, enhances and connects existing forested areas, creating a holistic and healthy urban forest for the city of Steinbach. This will be accomplished by analyzing a progression of scales, starting with a regional analysis, followed by an examination of the city’s inner boundary scale, and concluding with a more detailed site design scale. The design will be focused on the outlined future expansion zones needed for Steinbach’s future growth. The practicum will aim to increase Steinbach’s canopy cover from the current 7.5% to 20%. This canopy cover goal will be achieved through two different strategies: one focusing on preservation and the other on new forest plantings. The intention is to establish a more recognizable and interconnected urban forest that enhances the city’s legibility, connects public parks and green spaces, and serves as a natural cooling system for the future. By making tree planting a priority early in the urban development process, we can create better growing conditions for the planted green networks, providing sufficient space for healthy growth and development.