Page 2. of .. "Is Tree Protection By-law Number 5850-16 Good Enough?"
Historical Context
Early tree protection bylaws were very generous as to how many trees could be destroyed without a permit. - In 2003, By-law Number 4474-03.D simply indicated ... "PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS - By 2012 there was a pronounced effort to be more protective of trees in the old town area. In January of 2012, Allan Downey (Director of Parks and Recreation Services)
submitted Report PR12-001 to General Committee
in which he recommended a revision to the tree bylaw that stated ... "6. PERMIT MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO REMOVING A SINGLE TREE IN THE HERITAGE RESOURCE DISTRICT INCLUDING TREES ON DESIGNATED HERITAGE PROPERTIES The Heritage Resource Area was later identified in Schedule D of the Aurora Official Plan (Revised 2015) as a shaded as yellow on its following contemporary (2014) map. It is commonly known as the "town's old core area". The 2012 report reflects the strong desire to protect the core area's established trees, by wanting to protect any tree over 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. Extensive discussion continued over details of the proposed tree protection bylaw. In January of 2014, Allan Downey (Director of Parks and Recreation Services) presented
Report No.PR14-004 to Council. In the report, staff attempted to condense the issues surrounding each area of concern and itemized various options that could be considered by Council in revising the current draft Tree Protection By-law. One suggested option involved deleting reference in the
By-law to the Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest. In September of 2014, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority produced the 113 page
Town of Aurora Urban Forest Study Technical Report. Using infrared aerial imagery and sample plot data collection, it provided a detailed account of the town's trees. Amongst its 18 recommendations, number 7 has influenced town decisions considerably. Recommendation 7: Evaluate and develop the strategic steps required to increase the proportion of large, mature trees in the urban forest. This can be achieved using a range of tools
including Official Plan planning policy, by-law enforcement and public education. Where tree preservation cannot be achieved, Official Plan policy can be considered that will require
compensation for the loss of mature trees and associated ecosystem services. In June of 2015, the Town of Aurora's Parks and Recreation Services produced its Heritage Trees of Aurora Program, a 5 page policy statement,
describing the options available for the town to protect trees. Amongst those options are the following provisions under the Municipal Act and the Planning Act, specifying the requirement of specific definition and being listed on a by-law schedule. February 13, 2021
3. (1) No person shall injure or destroy five (5) or more trees each with either
a tree diameter greater than 20 cm or a base diameter greater than 40
cm on a lot within any one year period without first obtaining a permit
pursuant to this By-law.".
The current by-law has provision for protection of five trees or more on properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. With a further requirement for an applicant to obtain approval from the Town's Heritage Advisory Manager prior to the issuance of a tree removal permit.
The proposed revision will apply to single tree protection on OHA designated properties as well as single trees within the Heritage Resource Area as identified on Schedule B attached to the By-law. The Aurora Cemetery would be an example of a designated property that would
be subject to obtaining a permit to remove a single tree 20 cm in diameter or larger."
Page 2.