Proposed improvements include:
- lowering the 30 cm DBH (diameter at breast height) size threshold to protect more trees earlier in their growth
- higher financial penalties for Tree Bylaw contraventions
- creation of a new “Distinctive Tree” category to recognize and better protect big trees, requiring Community Council approval for removal
- offering financial incentives to qualifying private property owners to help offset the cost of maintenance for large, healthy trees
- giving developers more flexibility in how they design buildings, even if it doesn’t meet the current zoning, if the design helps preserve protected trees
- applying fees for removing or injuring trees located in ravine-protected areas
LEAF commends City forestry staff for putting forward innovative ideas that will better protect our urban forest!
We also suggest an additional improvement.
Residents who remove a tree are often required to replant one or more trees as a condition of their removal permit. In principle, this ensures that trees coming down are being replaced. In practice, however, there are many obstacles to achieving this goal. We encourage the City of Toronto to consider a collaborative approach to replanting these replacement trees on private property, one where residents are supported in getting the right tree in the right place with the right care. In addition, a more proactive approach to monitoring the health of newly planted trees could help residents take better care of their trees while also ensuring data collection that would reveal the degree to which permit replants are replenishing the urban forest.
Your voice is needed to support stronger tree protection bylaws! Please take a few moments to complete the online survey before September 24th so Council knows that you support these changes. At the end of the survey, there is a place for you to share additional comments and suggestions. We encourage you to include our recommendation for better replacement planting outcomes, and to add your own suggestions on how to make our urban forest stronger.
There are also options to attend both virtual and in-person consultation meetings between 15th and 18th. Please consider participating in these gatherings to send an even stronger message of your support for Toronto’s urban forest!
Janet McKay is the Executive Director of LEAF.
LEAF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. We envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years we have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.