Vegetation and Habitats

Vegetation and Habitats

The Greater Golden Horseshoe is rapidly growing, and Metrolinx is committed to building a sustainable transit system that restores the natural environment. As part of the largest transit expansion in Canadian history, we need to remove some trees and shrubs to make room for the new transit network. To offset this, following a science-based approach to managing vegetation and ecological restoration, Metrolinx has set a strong standard for habitat restoration and tree replacement.

Learn more about the Metrolinx Vegetation Guideline

Since 2020, Metrolinx has:

Planting more trees

Metrolinx commits to ensuring more trees are planted than removed across our network. For every tree removed, we plant sometimes as many as 50 in replacement, depending on the size, location, and health of the tree. Metrolinx also focuses on protecting endangered species, such as butternut trees. Metrolinx endeavors to plant 40 butternut trees for every one butternut tree removed. In some cases, up to 200 new butternut trees may be planted per tree removed.

Learn more about tree compensation and removals

Protecting ecosystems through sustainable practices

Recognizing that the loss of vegetation can impact ecosystems, Metrolinx prioritizes avoiding impacts to sensitive environments with the 2025 Vegetation Guideline update. When tree removal is necessary, we minimize disruptions, mitigate effects and replace losses only as a last resort. This Guideline update means going forward any impacts to wildlife habitats – like meadows, wetlands and forests – are replaced at a 1:1 ratio to maintain ecological services and wildlife habitat. Beyond tree planting, Metrolinx also focuses on rebuilding habitats for at-risk species like bats, birds and fish.   

Additionally, we repurpose 95% of removed vegetation as mulch within Metrolinx corridors, while the remaining 5% is used for community projects, habitat restoration or art — reducing waste while supporting local ecosystems. 

Learn how Metrolinx helps Ontario's endangered bats

Partnering to improve ecosystems 

Our approach involves collaborating with Indigenous communities, municipalities, conservation authorities and environmental organizations across the region to enhance local ecosystems. We ensure that tree and vegetation replacement efforts align with local environmental goals and contribute to long-term sustainability. By collaborating with these groups, we go above and beyond municipal regulations to protect and restore green spaces.

Incorporating Indigenous knowledge

Metrolinx has updated its Vegetation Guideline based on engagement with Indigenous communities, supporting the inclusion of Indigenous worldviews and knowledge to guide our planning and restoration efforts.  

Changes to our replacement practices, like increased tree replacement ratios and expanded Butternut tree planting efforts, are based on recommendations from Indigenous communities. This includes: 

• Increasing the tree replacement ratio 
• Expanding efforts to replace butternut trees 
• Extending restoration monitoring on- and off-site 
• Taking a more holistic approach to restoration planning 
• Ensuring we minimize environmental loss early in the project lifecycle 
• Considering climate change and using advanced restoration methods to ensure the long-term health of ecosystems