The implementation of the new Tree Protection By-law was delayed due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Councillors and staff have worked together to determine a new implementation schedule for the by-law and its phases. A motion was passed in June 2020 that directed staff to implement the new Tree Protection By-law on January 1, 2021 and to, at that time, reduce the distinctive tree diameter for the inner urban area from 50 cm to 30 cm in diameter at breast height.
The new Tree Protection By-law will come into effect on January 1, 2021. This consolidated by-law will replace the existing Urban Tree Conservation By-law and the Municipal Trees and Natural Areas Protection By-law, which will be repealed at that time. The new by-law immediately provides protection to:
- All City-owned trees, city wide, throughout the urban and rural area
- All City-owned natural areas throughout the urban and rural area
- All trees 10 cm or more in diameter at breast height on private properties within the urban area that are subject to a Planning Act application for Site Plan Control, Plan of Subdivision, or Plan of Condominium
- All trees 10 cm or more in diameter at breast height on private properties within the urban area that are either over 1 hectare in size
- All distinctive trees on private properties 1 hectare or less in size, where distinctive trees are defined as:
- Trees measuring 30 cm r more in diameter at breast height within the inner urban area (urban lands inside the Greenbelt)
- Trees measuring 50 cm r more in diameter at breast height within the suburban area (urban lands outside the Greenbelt)
Maps showing the limits of the by-law’s coverage for these various areas are provided on geoOttawa under the Forestry heading. Exemptions may apply in some cases.
The City’s existing tree by-laws remain in effect until January 1, 2021, when the new by-law comes into effect.