A Tree Information Report must now be submitted with a building permit application for infill development or a Committee of Adjustment application. The report is to designate which trees will be protected and which ones will be removed. The plans must include this information, and be submitted and approved by Forestry and possible review by the CVCA before any site alteration activities. Application fees associated with tree sizes (e.g 10 cm (3.9″) or greater in diameter, and which have reached or can reach 450 cm or more at maturity) for removal for infill development are $500 per tree, to a maximum of $2500.

If a permit is granted (by the General Manager of Forestry) for removal, the conditions for proposed planting of replacement trees are included. Builders are required to plant the required number of replacement trees for each distinctive tree removed. If all the planting cannot be accommodated, a payment of the cash value for the number of trees not planted must be made. The tree permit must be posted on the site for a week before and after any work is undertaken. A person who is convicted of an offence under this by-law is liable for a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum fine of $100,000. It should be noted that this money does not necessarily come back to our community to support tree planting or other community programs. It goes to the ward, where it will be prioritized in future plans to “direct funds where they will have the most benefit to canopy cover.” 

Click here to learn more about the City’s new Tree Protection By-law.

Call for Volunteers

Are you interested in joining the CVCA Tree Committee? Click here to learn more.