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.