Small Quebec town introduces $200 tax for treeless yards in effort to combat heat islands

A small town in Quebec’s Montérégie region, Saint-Amable, is taking innovative steps to combat the impacts of climate change and promote environmental sustainability. With a population of 13,322, the town is located roughly 40 kilometres east of Montreal and has recently implemented a new eco tax initiative to encourage residents to plant more trees on their properties.

The town’s general manager, Jean-Sébastien Ménard, highlighted a recent report from Université Laval that identified Saint-Amable’s high vulnerability to extreme heat events. This revelation served as a wake-up call for the community, prompting the implementation of an annual surtax of $200 for homeowners who do not have at least one leafy, deciduous tree in their front yard.

The primary goal of this eco tax is to increase canopy cover in the town and combat the formation of heat islands. Heat islands occur when urban areas absorb and re-radiate solar radiation, leading to elevated temperatures and poor air quality. By planting trees, residents can help reduce air temperature, provide shade, and capture rainwater, ultimately mitigating the effects of heat islands.

David Wees, a faculty lecturer at McGill University, emphasized the importance of large trees in urban developments. He noted that newer suburbs often lack tree cover, as seen in Saint-Amable where 45% of homes were built after 2000. Wees explained that trees play a crucial role in regulating climate, reducing wind speed, and absorbing pollutants, making them essential for sustainable urban planning.

Saint-Amable’s approach to incentivize tree planting through an eco tax has been praised for its effectiveness and long-term impact. By reinvesting the funds collected from the tax into greening initiatives, the town aims to double its canopy cover and enhance the overall environmental quality of the community.

While some residents initially faced challenges with the new tree planting requirements, such as determining suitable locations and tree types, the town remains committed to enforcing compliance. By utilizing mapping services and artificial intelligence technology, Saint-Amable has identified non-compliant properties and provided guidance on meeting the tree planting criteria.

Despite some growing pains, the town’s efforts to accelerate the greening process and combat heat islands have been met with overall support and cooperation from residents. With plans to plant 12,000 trees on public land, Saint-Amable is taking proactive steps towards a more sustainable and resilient future.