Brantford developing tree protection by law for private properties

Brantford developing tree protection by law for private properties

City officials are holding a series of public information meetings to discuss a new private tree protection bylaw.

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“Most trees in Brantford are located on private property,” Gagan Batra, the city’s manager of business support and sustainability, said in a prepared statement. “It is imperative that the city work with residents to preserve as many established trees as we can to ensure that everyone can enjoy a livable outdoor environment for many years to come.”

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Batra said all residents are invited to participate in the meetings to help shape the city’s natural landscape and preserve the local tree canopy.

The in-person meetings begin Oct. 13 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Woodman Community Center, 491 Gray St. The meetings continue Oct. 16 from 6 pm to 8 pm, Lions Park Arena Community Room, 20 Edge St.; Oct. 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Branlyn Community Center, 238 Brantwood Park Rd.; Oct. 23, 6 pm to 8 pm at TB Costain/SC Johnson Community Center, 16 Morrell St. and Oct. 27, 6 pm to 8 pm at Doug Snooks Community Center, 333, Erie Ave.

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Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the private tree protection by law and provide input to city officials. To learn more by visiting LetsTalkBrantford.ca/Trees.

Plans call for a city-wide hybrid meeting on Nov. 22 from 6 pm to 8 pm at city hall, 58 Dalhousie St.

The proposed new bylaw aims to protect 74 per cent of the city’s local tree canopy located on residential, commercial, industrial and institutional properties. An updated city tree protection bylaw, which governs the planting and maintenance of trees on city-owned property came into effect May 21, 2023.

To learn more about the city’s ongoing tree planting, maintenance, and protection services and programs visit www.Brantford.ca/TreesAndForestry.

The tree protection bylaws come after city council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and began looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the tree bylaws, the city has adopted both corporate and community climate action plans in the past three years.

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