Urban
Tree Conservation By-law comes into effect Sept. 1
The
City of Ottawa’s Urban Tree Conservation By-law, which was passed
by City Council on June 24, 2009, will come into full effect on September
1, 2009.
The
by-law, which was developed with the assistance of community associations,
local environmental groups, Ottawa homebuilders, the City’s Forest
and Greenspace Advisory Committee and the City’s Rural Affairs Office,
was introduced to protect significant trees in the downtown core and to
prevent the clear-cutting of suburban forests.
Under
the by-law, owners of urban properties greater than one hectare are required
to produce a City-approved tree conservation report to remove a tree that
is 10 centimetres in diameter or greater. This portion of the by-law has
been in effect since June 24.
Effective
September 1, 2009, owners of urban properties of one hectare or less will
be required to obtain a permit to remove a tree that is 50 centimetres
(20 inches) in diameter or greater. There is no permit fee, but residents
will be required to obtain an arborist’s report that outlines the
reasons why the tree is being removed.
The
by-law does not apply to rural properties, with the exception of a small
area in the city’s east end between the urban boundary and Ted Kelly
Lane, nor does it apply to normal farming practices, orchards, tree farms,
golf courses and cemeteries anywhere in the city.
Prior
to the enactment of this by-law, the City had no process to prevent the
clearing of forests in suburban areas before development occurred, nor
could it regulate the cutting of large, distinctive trees that stand out
in the city’s urban communities.
Unauthorized
removal or destruction of the trees covered under the by-law could result
in fines ranging from $500 to $100,000, with the exception of the contravention
of a stop work order, where the fine is not limited to $100,000.
Ottawa
is a wonderful city, and its greenspace and trees contribute greatly to
its beauty. But trees aren’t just about beauty. Trees provide invaluable
benefits and services within the city’s urban environment. Not only
do they help save energy costs for homeowners, they also clean our air
by absorbing carbon dioxide and other particulate matter, they help to
filter surface water and stop erosion, and increase property value. In
addition, trees provide homes for wildlife, intercept rainfall and reduce
runoff, provide shade and privacy, and provide effective insulation from
noise.
For
more information on the Urban Tree Conservation By-law visit www.ottawa.ca/urbantree,
e-mail urbantree@ottawa.ca, or
call 3-1-1.
If
you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact my office
at 613-580-2489, or e-mail me at Rob.Jellett@ottawa.ca.
