On Tuesday, Victoria-based developer Formwell Homes hosted its second local urban reforestation initiative, planting 60 new trees in Cuthbert Holmes Park. The event, held in partnership with national non-profit Tree Canada, included the participation of Saanich Acting Mayor Teale Phelps Bondaroff and staff from the District of Saanich.

 

Through the reforestation initiative, 60 new trees and an additional 100 shrubs were planted, contributing to an ongoing ecosystem restoration effort that has been in progress since the 2020 completion of the adjacent McKenzie Interchange project.

 

The reforestation site is located along the environmentally significant Colquitz Creek, an area with a history of soil and vegetation disturbance. The goal of the restoration project, led by the District of Saanich, is to restore the riparian area to its former natural condition, enhance water quality for the salmon-running river and associated wildlife, and provide a safe space for the public to enjoy the natural environment.

 

Formwell kicked off its second local reforestation event on Tuesday at Cuthbert Holmes Park. Left to right: Saanich Acting Mayor Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Kyle Vanderbeck (Saanich Natural Areas Practitioner), Bill Stephen (Tree Canada) and Sam Ganong, Formwell principal and co-founder.  Angel Rodriguez

 

A variety of tree species were planted, including Douglas fir, Big-leaf maple, Red alder, Trembling aspen, River birch, and Black hawthorn. Shrub species included Nootka rose, June plum, Ocean spray, Red flowering currant, and Oregon grape.

 

“We are humbled to play a role in the reforestation of this significant piece of land and to contribute directly to this important ecosystem restoration project,” said Formwell principal and co-founder, Sam Ganong. “As a company, we recognize the value and widespread benefits that naturalized greenspaces like this provide for current and future generations.”

 

In addition to local reforestation projects such as the one at Cuthbert Holmes Park, Formwell has planted more than 2,075 trees to-date through regional and provincial reforestation initiatives as part of its corporate tree replacement policy and partnership with Tree Canada. For every tree removed from Formwell’s sites to create new housing, ten new trees are planted. The tree replacement program is designed to significantly exceed replanting requirements and tree permit bylaws in the municipalities where Formwell operates.

 

“I am grateful to have businesses in the community like Formwell, planting trees. We all want new housing and it’s great to see efforts like this to replace trees that are removed for new developments,” said Acting Mayor Teale Phelps Bondaroff. “As part of Saanich’s Urban Forestry Strategy, we are aiming to achieve 44% canopy coverage by 2064, which will mean 54,000 new trees. Efforts toward projects like this help contribute to those targets and make our community a better place.” 

 

Saanich Acting Mayor Teale Phelps Bondaroff planting one of the first trees at the event.  Angel Rodriguez

 

Formwell’s first local urban reforestation project was co-hosted with Tree Canada in collaboration with the City of Langford in October of 2023. Formwell and Tree Canada staff, along with several Langford Council members, planted 50 new trees on municipal land adjacent to Constellation Avenue and West Shore Parkway.

 

Currently, Formwell has three active townhome projects at various stages of development across the Greater Victoria region. The company broke ground on Woodrow, a 58-townhome development in South Langford, late last month. Harper, a 14-townhouse development on Louise Place in Saanich, is anticipated to break ground next month. In Colwood, Formwell is actively seeking a development permit for 29 townhomes on Latoria Road.

 

To learn more about Formwell Homes or its Harper or Woodrow townhome communities, visit the company's website here. C

 

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