Committee endorses options to better conserve trees on private property
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'A status quo approach to tree conservation is expected to result in a sustained loss of private tree canopy over time and challenges in meeting council-approved citywide canopy targets,' said Shane Gagnon, senior planner with the climate and environment team.
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However, even though it would have a greater effect, the city does not recommend council pass a private tree protection bylaw, Gagnon said, due to significant costs and complexities in implementation and enforcement.
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Such a bylaw could also present legal challenges by potentially infringing on homeowners' property rights, as outlined under the newly amended Alberta Bill of Rights, another city official said Thursday.
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'There's also the challenge of enforcement in proving the bylaw was not complied with,' environmental planning and policy leader Rehana Rajabali told the committee.
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Other Canadian cities that have passed tree protection bylaws include Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa. In Vancouver, a permit is required to remove any tree on private property with a diameter of 20 centimetres or greater.
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During debate, Wong brought forward an amendment asking city staff to develop a private tree protection bylaw and return by the fourth quarter of this year. He equated staff's recommendations with the carrot, whereas a bylaw would be the stick.
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Developing a tree protection bylaw would cost an additional $2.8 million, city officials said in response.
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Wong's amendment ultimately failed in a 3-3 tie, with support from councillors Raj Dhaliwal and Dan McLean.
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Rather than pursue a bylaw, the city's land-use bylaw, which is currently under review, can be tweaked to regulate the protection of private trees, argued Ward 9 Coun. Gian-Carlo Carra.
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Ward 11 Coun. Kourtney Penner said the recommendations brought forward Thursday strike a balance between recognizing the importance of private tree conservation, respecting individual property rights and the financial implication of a private tree protection bylaw.
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Winnipeg Free Press
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- Winnipeg Free Press
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Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors In response to the heated L.A. protests over Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in the city, Derek Guy, who works out of San Francisco, made a candid post on X detailing his experiences. I debated whether to share my story on here, but I guess I will. I think there's an idea out there that millions of violent criminals are pouring across the border, carrying machetes and drugs, looking to harm Americans. 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Calgary Herald
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- Calgary Herald
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