Options presented to Committee

Thanks to everyone that provided their feedback.

Staff presented a report to Committee that included 4 options:

OPTIONS CONSIDERED

OPTION 1:

Status quo

A status quo approach was considered as part of this report.This would allow the current Pilot Private Tree Bylaw in Roseland to run the original 2-years.

Pros:

Allows for more time to evaluate the pilot.

Cons:

This does not consider the implications of a declared climate emergency, and delays protection of trees citywide.

OPTION 2:

Expand the Bylaw to Ward 4 Only. The expansion of the bylaw to ward 4 was considered as part of this

report. The staff requirement would be reduced to1full time staff, with associated cost reductions.

Pros:

Provides for a slightly larger pilot area.

Cons:

This does not consider the implications of a declared climate emergency,and delays protection of trees citywide.

OPTION 3:

Repeal the Pilot Private Tree Bylaw and approve a bylaw for the urban area only. This option would protect all private trees within the urban area of the City and exclude all agricultural and rural areas north of Highway 5/407.

Pros:

Provides protection for private trees in the most populated area of the City.

Cons:

Does not provide protection for residential properties in the rural area that

are not covered under the Regional bylaw for woodlots.

OPTION 4:

Repeal the Pilot Private Tree Bylaw and approve a city-wide private tree bylaw.

Pros:

This option provides the highest level of protection by including the entire city.

Cons:

Increased

resource requirements in both operating and capital budgets.

Staff recommends Option 4 for implementation, with a tree size of greater than or equal to 20 cm diameter at breast height. This option provides a high level of protection for private trees city-wide.

This report goes to City Council on October 21.