REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: February 6, 2023 Report No. P&R-23-001
TO: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Robbie Young, Acting Manager, Parks & Steve Knoke, Director, Parks
and Recreation
SUBJECT:
Title
Tree Protection Bylaw
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council give first, second, and third readings to Tree Protection Bylaw, 2023, No. 3076.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2837
Urban Forest Management Plan
Esquimalt Community Climate Mitigation Plan
Esquimalt Climate Adaptation Planning Guide
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Climate Resilience and Environmental Stewardship
BACKGROUND:
Council requested a review of the Tree Protection Bylaw to ensure relevance and best management practices are in place. Staff completed this review in 2022 and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee provided feedback at their meeting held November 18, 2021. This information was taken to the COTW on May 9,2022 and staff were given direction to continue the review and update the bylaw including receiving feedback through public engagement.
The Tree Protection Bylaw provides a mechanism to remove protected trees for new development, infrastructure damage, or tree health issues. The Tree Protection Bylaw requires applicants to replace trees when authorization is granted for removal to support the overall growth of the canopy. While the existing Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2837 (Attachment C) is still relevant and effective, an improved proposed Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3076 (Attachment A) with an updated application form (Attachment B) and definitions will provide more clarity for applicants and support the Township's tree canopy growth objectives.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The following new and revised definitions will provide more clarity with regards to tree protection bylaw requirements for applicants.
A. New definitions
Arboricultural Best Practices means practices in accordance with the most current...
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