On July 18, 2022, Council authorized execution of a By-law to enhance the urban tree canopy through the preservation of existing tree cover by strengthening tree protection measures, and controlling tree planting costs by formalizing compensation collected by the Township for the unlawful injury or removal of Township owned trees.
Trees provide significant ecosystem services to the Centre Wellington community. The continued preservation and protection of trees within the Township is an important measure to aid in the fight against climate change, as well as maintain the character and beauty of our community.
Public Consultation
On March 21, 2022, Staff presented the results of the Trees on Public Property By-law survey and Council directed staff to draft the by-law, supporting the strategy of employing a 64% fee-based permit fee approach.
Proposed Permit application fees
The Trees on Public Property By-law process will include the requirement for obtaining a permit from the Township before undertaking any work or activity in proximity of a tree on public property (i.e. within the tree protection zone of the tree). In order to capture different levels of permit complexity, the Township is recommending three categories of permit: 1 to 3 tree, 4 to 9 trees, 10 or more trees. The estimated permit application fee needed to fund administration of the permit application process would be the following:
- $236 per application that involves 1 to 3 trees.
- $348 per application that involves 4 to 9 tees.
- $490 per application that involves 10 or more trees.
Future enforcement of the by-law will be carried out by a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer, in cooperation with Urban Forestry staff.
