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Understanding the Tree Protection By-law in EG

The Town has developed a tree protection by-law for private properties to protect mature trees in EG. The goal of the by-law is to protect existing tree canopy and preserve Natural Heritage areas throughout our community. The new by-law addresses the removal of trees with a trunk diameter of 20 cm or greater.

Review the by-law

Help keep EG green and healthy!

Here’s what you need to know:

What is the purpose of this by-law?
The Town recognizes that trees provide important environmental, social, health and economic benefits. The by-law intends to strike a balance between protecting the tree canopy cover and maintaining flexibility for landowners to responsibly manage their trees through exemptions and permits.
Can I remove my dead tree?

Yes! Removal of dead, dying and diseased trees do not require a permit for removal.
Can I remove trees on my residential property?

The tree protection by-law allows residents to:

  • Remove up to three live, healthy trees that do not individually exceed 30 cm diameter per year
  • Prune or maintain trees
  • Remove dead, dying, diseased trees
  • Remove trees that pose an immediate threat to persons or property (i.e. hazardous trees)
  • Remove trees as part of emergency work
  • Remove trees with a diameter of less than 20cm
  • Remove trees that are Invasive species, as identified in Schedule A of the by-law
  • Remove trees located within a building, solarium, rooftop garden or interior courtyard
Who does this by-law apply to?

This by-law applies to all private property owners within the geographic limits of the Town. 
Does this by-law include shrubs?

No. The by-law only applies to trees with a 20 cm diameter or greater. Woody shrubs are not included in this by-law. 
Will Town staff enter my property without contacting me?
No. Town staff will consult with private property owners to review the by-law and seek to ensure private property owners are present and permission is granted to enter private property.
Will there be permit fees?

No. The Town will not be collecting fees related to obtaining a permit. 
How will this by-law be administered?

Town staff will focus efforts on education and outreach, and work collaboratively with landowners to conduct site visits and complete permit applications.
What does this by-law mean for farmers and agricultural property?

Town staff work with the farming industry to provide special provisions within the by-law that will support normal farm practices. 
How can I appeal the tree by-law decision for my property?
Appeals to permit decisions and/or conditions of a permit will be provided for through the Town’s administrative process.

To learn more, email the project team.

Background and Resources
Past Consultations

Members of the community were invited to attend public open houses to review the draft by-law, ask questions, and provide feedback to the project team. Open houses were held on:

  • Holland Landing Community Centre, January 24, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Mount Albert Community Centre, February 8, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Civic Centre, February 28, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m.

These open houses were communicated using the Town's various channels and mediums including social media, weekly eNewsletter, road signs, and more.

For more information on this project, please read the Tree Preservation Update and Draft Tree Protection By-law Council Report and draft tree protection by-law appendix.

A summary of the draft tree protection by-law, exemptions, and next steps are also included in the presentation slides. 

View the Public Meeting presentation slides