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Calgary Herald

Committee endorses options to better conserve trees on private property

Article content '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. Article content 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. Article content 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. Article content '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. Article content 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. Article content Article content 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. Article content Developing a tree protection bylaw would cost an additional $2.8 million, city officials said in response. Article content Wong's amendment ultimately failed in a 3-3 tie, with support from councillors Raj Dhaliwal and Dan McLean. Article content 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. Article content 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.