Fredericton named Forest Capital of Canada for 2023

The City of Fredericton and the Greater Fredericton Region have been named as the Forest Capital of Canada for 2023.  The designation by the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) kicks off a year-long celebration of the city’s rich forest history and the valuable role forestry has played in the social and environmental growth of the Greater Fredericton region.

The Forest Capital of Canada program focuses on the role forests play in the socio-economic and environmental health of our communities – past, present and future, while also recognizing the importance of forest heritage and a commitment to sustainable forest management practices across the community. 

“For a city whose motto is ‘Noble Daughter of the Forest’, being named Forest Capital of Canada is certainly a great honour,” said Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers. “We are proud not only of our tree canopy and urban forest and the benefits they bring to our community, but of the world class forestry research that goes on in our city and the economic benefits that the forest industry brings to the region.”

“We were pleased to select the Greater Fredericton Region as the 2023 Forest Capital of Canada”, said Mark Pearson, Executive Director of the CIF. “The city is very deserving of this award, and we look forward to seeing their activities unfold in the coming months in celebration of the urban forest and the larger ecosystem it helps to sustain.”

Fredericton and the region is a hub for excellence in the forest profession, home to several leading forest sector companies, as well as boasting several forest research, training and advocacy organizations within the Hugh John Flemming Forestry Complex. The city is also home to several post-secondary academic institutions with forestry and natural resources programs. The city has over 70 years of demonstrated stewardship and management of the urban forest, through the creation of the Fredericton Tree Commission, and the Parks and Trees Division.

About the CIF
Formed in 1908, the CIF is the national voice of forest practitioners and many others with an interest in forestry and forests. The Institute strives to provide national leadership, promote competence, and foster public awareness of Canadian and international forestry/forest issues. Visit our website at cif-ifc.org.