Strengthening Toronto’s Tree Canopy

I am pleased to report that the Parks and Environment Committee voted to support and approve my motion to strengthen Toronto’s tree canopy – which suffered real damage from the ice storm.

My motion directs Urban Forestry staff to bring forward recommendations to improve Toronto’s tree protection bylaw, including, among other things:

• A communications strategy to ensure that the public is aware of the ins and outs of our tree protection policies;

• Better integration of any and all tree-related considerations in the planning and development process;

• Improvements to the manner and form of public notice required by the bylaw;

• Uniform and consistent criteria to define what constitutes a tree in “healthy condition” and “poor condition;” and,

• Information on the impacts of soil volume on the health and longevity of replacement trees.

These points grew directly from your feedback and my street-by-street experience working on tree issues in Ward 25!

Alongside improvements on the enforcement end, these changes will make the tree protection bylaw stronger and more effective.