AMEND THE TREE BYLAW
Citizen's groups have researched and sent recommendations to the City of Ottawa on how to amend the Urban Tree Conservation By-law.
The recommendations include:
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Lower the protected tree minimum size from 50 cm diameter to 30 cm diameter, with a 20 cm minimum for evergreens, fruit and ornamental trees;
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Raise the bar for proof of “danger” and other reasons requiring tree removal;
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Improve the sequencing of processes that currently allow building permits and variances to require tree removal as of right;
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Extend the notice window from 7 to 14 days, to ensure the public knows tree removal is planned;
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Increase what are currently derisory fines for deliberate violations of the bylaw from the current $500 minimum to a minimum $5,000 fine for deliberate destruction without a permit.
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Adopt the Forests Ontario Heritage Tree Program.
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Call or write to your Councillor, the Chair of the Environment Committee (David Chernushenko) and Mayor Jim Watson. Tell them you want the bylaw to offer more protection for mature trees, and scope for planting new trees.
Read all the recommendations
Who endorses the recommendations?
These Community Associations formally endorse the recommendations:
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Action Sandy Hill
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Alta Vista Community Association
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Centretown Community Association
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Champlain Park Community Association
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Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association
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Dalhousie Community Association
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Glebe Community Association
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Glens Community Association
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Hampton Iona Community Group
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Heron Park Community Association
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Hintonburg Community Association
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Kanata Beaverbrook Community Association
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Lowertown Community Association
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March Rural Community Association
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Old Ottawa East Community Association
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Old Ottawa South Community Association
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Overbrook Community Association
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Riverview Park Community Association
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Rockcliffe Park Residents Association
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Vanier Community Association
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Wellington Village Community Association
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Westboro Community Association
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Greater Avalon Community Association
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These Environmental Groups formally endorse the recommendations:
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Federation of Citizen’s Associations of Ottawa (FAC)
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Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital
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Ecology Ottawa
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Champlain Oaks Project
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Big Trees of Kitchissippi
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Volunteer Gardeners of Clare Gardens Park
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Sustainable Living Ottawa East (SLOE)
University of Ottawa Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
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Read their letter of support.