Committee of the Whole endorses bylaw to protect and expand City’s local tree canopy

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Tree canopy and trail

BRANTFORD, ON – In 2019, the City of Brantford declared a Climate Emergency and committed to taking action to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). In 2020 and 2022 respectively, City Council adopted the Corporate and Community Climate Change Action Plans that prioritized tree canopy expansion to offset GHGs. City Council at its meeting on January 26, 2021 approved the City of Brantford Official Plan which directs the City to achieve a minimum of 40% tree canopy cover by 2051, and encourages the practice of requiring replacement trees when a tree is removed.

At their Committee of the Whole Meeting - Operations, held on March 7, 2023, Brantford City Council unanimously endorsed an update to the City Tree Protection Bylaw to regulate the planting, maintenance, and protection of trees located on City owned and managed property.

The City Tree Protection Bylaw includes expanded measures to preserve existing tree canopy wherever possible, including:

  • Clarification on prohibited activities involving City trees;
  • Updated guidelines for requesting work involving City trees; and
  • Updated tree replacement ratios required to accommodate City tree removal requests.

“The amended City Tree Protection Bylaw is just one important step that the City will take to improve the environmental health of our City”, says Gagan Batra, Manager of Business Support and Sustainability. “As older and larger trees have more environmental benefits than smaller, younger trees, it is important to take this action to protect the City’s existing tree canopy.”

The City’s Forestry Services also supports the protection and enhancement of local tree canopy by conducting regular tree planting, maintenance, stumping, etc. The City also hosts an annual Free Residential Tree Giveaway, to engage residents in neighborhood tree planting. 

The new City Tree Protection By-law will come into effect May 1, 2023 preceded by a community education campaign. This By-law does not impact trees located on private property. Residents are encouraged to visit Brantford.ca/TreesAndForestry to learn more. 

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Media Contact:
Maria Visocchi Director, Communications, Community Engagement and Customer Service
City of Brantford | Office: 519.759.4150 Ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca

  

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