In Metro Vancouver climate change is projected to result in warmer, drier summers, reduced snow-packs, more frequent extreme rainfall events and rising sea levels. The management of our urban forests is often highlighted as a climate adaptation tool for cities. However, regionally-specific information on how to design tree plantings to maximize climate adaptation benefits has been limited.

This Guidebook has been developed to serve as a quick reference and resource for land managers and member municipalities to support landscape design projects, design guidelines updates and for designing new developments. It can also be used by the development community as a resource guide for best practices in incorporating climate adaptation within development programming and design. This document does not replace or supersede requirements or specifications in zoning bylaws, engineering design standards or Ministry of Transportation requirements.