REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: November 3, 2021 Report No. PRAC-21-008
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
FROM: Rick Daykin, Manager, Parks and Facilities
SUBJECT:
Title
Tree Protection Bylaw ReviewEnd
RELEVANT POLICY:
Tree Protection Bylaw 2837
Urban Forest Management Plan
Climate Action Charter Goals
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
The tree protection bylaw was identified by the strategic planning team and the Environmental Advisory Committee as an important bylaw to review and update.
BACKGROUND:
The main objectives of the tree protection bylaw are to protect and preserve trees and provide for the replacement of trees where trees are permitted for removal. While the existing tree protection bylaw is still relevant and effective, a revised tree protection bylaw will include additional best management practices and will help to clarity application processes.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
Streamline the application process
The application to remove or prune a tree or work within a protected tree root zone during construction will be made available in the next few weeks. Property owners can still drop off, email or mail in applications to the parks division administration office for processing and review.
Update the Significant Tree List and Replacement Tree List
The significant tree list needs to be updated due to the removal of some trees. In order to aid in the significant tree list update, an exciting new program will be initiated to launch an Esquimalt Great Tree Hunt. This program will encourage residents to nominate trees to be included in this prestigious significant tree list. We will be looking for volunteers to help judge the nominations. In addition, the tree replacement list will be updated with new trees to help keep this list relevant.
New and updated Definitions
A number of definitions have been created or updated to help provide homeowners and developers with additional clarity in the tree cutting permit process. ...
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