On January 28th, 2020, Council approved the new Tree Protection By-law. It will come into effect in May. It consolidates two existing by-laws, streamlining regulation and enforcement. Other changes include requiring compensation for trees removed with a permit, implementing new fines for tree removal without a permit and changing internal processes to consider trees earlier in planning processes.
Two new forestry inspectors, funded through increased revenue from the new fees, will enforce the by-law and monitor tree protection, while a new forester will handle tree issues in infill development.
Staff will return to the Committee in late 2020 with further recommendations to protect existing trees, along with reviewing the need for strategies to protect heritage trees and rural woodlands next to the urban boundary.
For more information on the City’s current plan for Trees, Plants and Forests, refer to Ottawa.ca
