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DEPUTATIONS CONCERNING MOTION 21-G-210, INDIVIDUAL (SINGLE) TREE BY-LAW
The following individuals provided Deputations concerning motion 21-G-210, Individual (Single) Tree By-law:
1. Cathy Colebatch advised that in her opinion an Individual (Single) Tree By-law is long overdue for the City. Ms. Colebatch provided an overview of the mandates for the Allandale Historic Neighborhood Association and Heritage Barrie Committee: to educate, preserve and protect historic buildings and natural landscapes. She advised of a recent letter from the Allandale Neighborhood Association to City of Barrie describing the recent unfortunate incident that resulted in the damage of heritage trees in the Allandale neighborhood.
Ms. Colebatch described the heritage trees within her own backyard and the surrounding properties that are anywhere from a quarter century to over a century old, are boundary markers and were planted before the homes were built. She noted the importance of public engagement and suggested that outside organizations for example: landscape architects, urban foresters, Living Green, and the Allandale Historic Neighbourhood Association be given an opportunity to provide input before staff report back to Council.
Ms. Colebatch advised of her support for potential changes associated to heritage trees through permitting and planning or by-law changes. She noted the need to preserve and protect these trees from excavation and accidents occurring from new builds of dwellings, accessory units, and swimming pools.
Ms. Colebatch asked that until staff report back to Council, that something be done immediately to prevent future damage to the trees.
2. Arlene McCann discussed her concerns of City trees being endangered given that seventy-five percent of trees are located on private property and ninety percent of properties are now eligible for detached secondary dwellings.
Ms. McCann provided the particulars of an incident that took place in early July t...
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