City council is asking residents to be patient as details of the proposed changes to the tree preservation bylaw roll out.
Since the proposals were discussed during last week’s council committee meeting, some councillors have received an earful from residents upset about some of the changes. They include the requirement of a $250 permit to remove trees and the $350-per-tree payment to the city if the property owner cannot replace, on the same site, the trees that are removed.
During Monday’s council meeting, Coun. Ralph Cipolla said he’d heard from a resident on Esther Anne Drive. There were no trees on the man’s property when he built his house, but he planted nine and they’re now at a size where he has to trim them. By the time he goes through the process of receiving a permit and the services of an arborist, it’s estimated it would cost him $3,000, Cipolla said.
“How does this apply to an individual that just wants to trim a tree?” he asked.
Staff noted the bylaw would include a number of exemptions, including ones relating to trimming healthy trees and removing dead trees.
Mayor Steve Clarke reminded council members they were simply voting Monday to authorize the public consultation process. It will take place, in a virtual format, this winter. No final decisions on the proposed changes will be made until council has reviewed the results of that consultation.
That process will be undertaken by city staff and members of the environmental advisory committee.
“The consultation process is in good hands and I think the finished product that we hope comes back to council will be workable and will be acceptable to the public,” said Coun. Tim Lauer. “Let’s approve this and get on with the consultation and save our debate (for later).”
Updates on the consultation date will be posted to the city’s website and social media platforms.
