At their meeting on December 1st, Council gave first and second reading to the Tree Protection Management Bylaw to establish a framework for managing and protecting trees on City lands, supporting environmental sustainability and enhancing the urban tree canopy, as well as protecting significant trees throughout the community. The Bylaw is designed to protect the community’s most valued urban trees by regulating their removal, requiring appropriate replacements, and establishing a clear and fair permitting process. It will apply to all trees on City property, trees impacted by development and trees within Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs). It will not apply to permits for new single family homes or accessory buildings on residential lots unless significant trees will be impacted. The bylaw prioritizes retention of healthy trees, mandates compensation for removals, and introduces best practices for construction site protection and oversight by qualified professional arborists. It is designed to be simple, enforceable, and scalable, supporting a healthier, more resilient urban forest over time. 

Additional public engagement will take place in mid-December of this year and will include an in-person Open House and a second presentation to the ESC. 

Further information can be found in the full report by City staff and Tree Protection Management Bylaw.