How do Nanaimo’s trees keep our city cool and healthy amid rising temperatures—and what will it take to protect and grow our urban canopy?
Join Strong Towns Nanaimo and a panel of local experts for a discussion on the value of our urban forest and the strategies we can use to safeguard it for the future.
- 📅 Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
- ⌚ Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM PST
- 📌 Location: Large Meeting Room, Vancouver Island Regional Library, 90 Commercial St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G4
- 🎫 Admission: All welcome
Our Panel
Deanna Fourt — Policy & Advocacy Lead, Nanaimo Climate Action Hub
- Master’s Degree in Climate Action Leadership
- 15 years in senior sustainability roles at Island Health
- Focus: how nature buffers us from climate impacts
Paul Chapman — Executive Director, Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT)
- Board Member of the Land Trust Alliance of BC
- Long-time protector of local coastal Douglas-fir/Garry oak ecosystems around Cable Bay and the Harewood Plains
Patrick McIntosh — Urban Forestry Coordinator, City of Nanaimo
- Oversees the management and protection of Nanaimo’s trees
- Administers our local Tree Protection Bylaw
- Leads the urban forestry program and canopy maintenance
Debra Bodner — Primary Contact, Harewood Neighbourhood Association
- Community leader in one of our south-end neighbourhoods
- Years of advocating for improving tree protection and canopy