Information sessions planned for Roseland Private Tree Bylaw Pilot

The City's Roseland Tree Bylaw Pilot project is set to launch on March 1 — and it aims to protect private trees with diameters larger than 30 cm, historic and rare tree species from damage or destruction. The two-year pilot will end in March 2021 when a report with recommendations will be presented to Burlington City Council.About the Private Tree BylawThe bylaw states that no one can injure, destroy, cause or allow the injury or destruction of a tree with a diameter of 30 cm or larger, or of a tree of significance (meaning historic or rare). The full bylaw,  including information on permits, exemptions and fines, is available online on the City's website.Examples of exemptions include:

• Trees with a diameter of less than 30 cm;
• For the purpose of pruning in accordance with Good Arboricultural Practices;
• For emergency work;
• If the tree has a high or extreme likelihood of failure and impact as verified or confirmed by an Arborist or the Manager of Urban Forestry;
• If the tree is dead, as confirmed by the Manager of Urban Forestry, or a designate;
• If the tree is an ash tree (due to the Emerald Ash Borer), as confirmed by the Manager of Urban Forestry, or designate; and
• If a tree is within two metres of an occupied building.For more exemptions, visit Burlington.ca/PrivateTree

More exemptions can be found at Burlington.ca/PrivateTree.Permits/Fines

• Anyone looking to remove a tree with a diameter larger than 30 cm, or a tree of significance, can apply for a permit online by visiting Burlington.ca/PrivateTree.
• If a tree is removed without a permit, there is a minimum fine of $500 and maximum fine of $100,000.

Public Information SessionResidents and businesses of the Roseland community are invited to attend an informal, drop-in information session on the Private Tree Bylaw pilot on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 7-9 p.m. at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre, 2285 New St.Those who attend will learn about the Private Tree Bylaw and how it will impact their homes, businesses and neighbourhood by speaking with city staff including members of the Forestry Department. If you cannot attend, please head to burlington.ca/PrivateTree for more information.A second information session will be held for those living and working outside of the Roseland community at a later date.MY TAKE:As I mentioned in my inaugural address, protecting Burlington’s tree canopy is one my goals. Burlington residents feel passionately about this issue. These trees are a big part of what makes our city beautiful, and they are also important contributors to our clean air, an important part of mitigating flood risk in our neighborhoods, and they provide shelter and sustenance for countless creatures in our natural surroundings. They’re a valuable resource we need to protect.