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DEPUTATIONS BY THE FOLLOWING CONCERNING MOTION 23-G-082, THE PRIVATE TREE BY-LAW AND ECOLOGICAL OFFSETTING REVIEW
The following Deputations were provided concerning motion 23-G-082 regarding the Private Tree By-law and Ecological Offsetting Review:
1. Mark Graves on behalf of the Ontario Commercial Arborist Association spoke in support of the City’s proposed Private Tree By-law. He commented on how urban forestry can be a challenging subject for most municipalities. He expressed that the City’s proposed By-law is proactive, progressive, and well-written by incorporating terminology related to the maintenance of trees and certified arborists.
Mr. Graves provided comments on the urban tree canopy and agreed that the creation of a Tree Protection Manual would provide guidance in protecting the tree canopy.
Mr. Graves discussed the challenges of protecting existing trees in established neighbourhoods and in lands being used for new developments that result in damage to existing trees and others being cut down to make room for new development. He acknowledged and agreed with the proposed By-law using terms such as maintenance, construction, and development, and the exploration of the best options for tree preservation.
Mr. Graves concluded by noting that including a certified arborist as part of the By-law will assist in keeping costs for tree removal and maintenance more affordable for residents.
2. Matthew Logan on behalf of the International Society of Arboriculture Ontario spoke in support of the City’s proposed Private Tree By-law. He provided a background of the organization and highlighted its mandate to enhance, promote tree care and benefit trees through education, research, and awareness. Mr. Logan commented that he echo’s the comments made earlier by Mark Graves.
Mr. Logan addressed his concerns related to the amendments introduced by members of Council at the General Committee meeting associated with a certified arborist.
Mr. Logan commented that the International Society of Arboriculture Ontario through the support Municipal Arborist Urban Forestry Committee would be interested in participating in the City’s Tree By-law Standards Sub-Committee.
Mr. Logan described the importance of certified arborists, tree preservation and maintenance, and enhancements to urban forests.
3. Johnny Corner of North Shore Tree Experts Inc. spoke in support of the City’s proposed Private Tree By-law. He commented that he felt the By-law was well-written and inclusive to certified arborists. He noted that from a construction point of view, making sure the urban tree canopy is protected is important.
Mr. Corner suggested providing more clarification related to the tree removal process such as keeping receipts, enforcement, and how this works for residents. He expressed that planting trees should be a priority and that any opportunities and incentives for residents that are financially feasible could potentially get more residents involved in planting and protecting trees.
Mr. Corner advised that he offers a free tree planting program through local schools and the donation of trees. He commented that this provides an opportunity to educate children on the proper way to plant a tree and tree preservation.
Members of Council asked questions of Mr. Corner and received responses.
4. Cathy Colebatch spoke in support of the proposed Private Tree By-law and Ecological Offsetting Review Program. She discussed concerns related to protecting mature trees in historic neighborhoods and that the trees provide shelter for animals in the neighbourhoods and keep residents cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Ms. Colebatch commented on the City’s ongoing and continued growth targets directed by the Province of Ontario that will have an impact on the municipality’s tree canopy, especially the healthy large mature trees which are generally located in established and historic neighbourhoods.
Ms. Colebatch discussed concerns related to detached accessory dwellings and trees that have been removed in established and historic neighbourhoods. She commented that education programs, creating policies, grants, and partnerships surrounding tree planting should be considered.
In closing, Ms. Colebatch agreed that the proposed By-law would have a positive impact on the City’s tree canopy.
5. Karen Hansen of Crisdawn Construction Inc. discussed concerns related to the proposed Private Tree By-law and the impacts on plantation sites. She provided an overview of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority and Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority policies related to development and trees on private property in Barrie.
Ms. Hansen commented that the proposed By-law will not allow for an exemption to tree removal fees for plantation sites which was previously exempt and that they now would be subject to fees if the By-law was approved.
Ms. Hansen advised that Pratt Homes has a property located at 1001 Essa Road with plantation trees located outside of a regulated area which would have not previously been impacted with tree cutting fees. She explained that the site location also includes trees inside a naturally regulated heritage area. She noted that Pratt Homes are not intending to remove trees inside the natural heritage area or affect the canopy coverage.
Ms. Hansen requested an exemption to the proposed Private Tree By-law that would apply only to previously exempt plantation trees. She indicated that if the By-law is not amended that it would result in unanticipated costs which would be added to new home prices.
Members of Council asked questions of City staff and Ms. Hansen and received responses.