May 28, 2026

As mentioned in previous updates, on May 19, Council adopted the Tree Management Bylaw. 

More information can be found in the full report by District staff.

May 11, 2026

On May 5, Council gave three readings to the Tree Management Bylaw. Following the engagement period, the updated Bylaw included the following changes:

• Consider expanding the definition of bylaw-protected trees to include:
  • All trees that contain evidence of nesting or use by raptors as defined in the Wildlife Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 488, an osprey, or a heron colony; 
  • All trees ≥10 cm in diameter (measured at 1.4 m above the ground) of the desired rare native species (Arbutus, Pacific yew, Western white pine). 
• Consider amending the definition of Significant Trees to include: 
  • All trees ≥60 cm in diameter on all properties; 
  • All trees ≥250 years old.
• Consider modifying the exemptions for a tree permit by:
  • Removing the exemption for tree removal on land parcels ≤0.4 hectares in size 
  • Adding an exemption for tree removal that does not result in less than the tree density target, unless the removed tree is:
    • a Significant Tree;
      • located on a slope where the grade is greater than 30 percent;
      • located within 20 m of a Knotweed plant;
      • a Replacement Tree or Retained Tree;
      • located in a Floodway;
      • is located within an Environmentally Sensitive Area and is not regulated by a valid and subsisting EDPA; or
      • associated with any proposed development or Development Approval process. 
• Consider modifying the tree density target definition by: 
  • Removing the net developable hectare definition from the bylaw
  • Excluding Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
• Consider an exemption for tree removals related to wildfire hazard in the high ignition zone, contingent on a FireSmart Assessment, unless the tree is a Significant Tree.
• Consider adding a schedule on tree protection barriers (physical protection guidelines) to the bylaw. 
• Consider increasing the cash-in-lieu fee and tree replacement security to cover the full cost of tree planting, site preparation, and establishment maintenance.
• Consider maintaining the same cash-in-lieu fee ($250) for Affordable Housing Projects. 

More information can be found in the full report by District staff.