Let's talk about protecting trees on private property
Currently the City of Brantford’s Private Tree By-law (No. 119-2017) only regulates the protection of trees on identified woodlots, wetlands, and areas of natural interest. There are no protections in place for trees on most private parcels of land (including properties under development for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes).
This is important because 74% of the City’s tree canopy is located on private parcels of land (approximately 449,482 trees). In order to ensure that community members are able to enjoy a thriving tree canopy for years to come, greater protections must be put in place to prevent the unnecessary removal of existing healthy trees.
The City is currently working to repeal and replace the existing Private Tree Protection By-law to expand its protection coverage over the 74% of local trees on private properties.
We want to hear from you!
We would greatly appreciate your feedback on the recommended Private Tree Protection By-law for the City of Brantford.
To learn more and share your feedback with us, please review the options below:
- Review our Local Tree Canopy Fact Sheet and Brantford's 2023 Tree Inventory Heat Map
- Complete the Private Tree Protect By-law Feedback Survey
- Share your ideas on how the City of Brantford can protect and increase the tree canopy
- Question and Answers
- Public Ward Meetings (schedule below)
Public Ward Meetings
A public meeting will take place in-person at a community centre within each Ward. An additional City-wide meeting will be hosted at City Hall where residents can participate in-person or virtually through Zoom. Register online(External link) to participate in the virtual meeting on November 22. Attending in-person does NOT require registration in advance.
Background
In 2019, the City of Brantford declared a Climate Emergency and committed to taking action reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020 and 2022 respectively, the City adopted the Corporate and Community Climate Change Action Plans that committed to tree canopy protection and expansion to sequester GHGs, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and support a more climate resilient community.
On May 1, 2023, the City Council approved City Tree Protection By-law came into effect to regulate the planting, maintenance, and protection of trees on City parcels of land. Visit Brantford.ca/treesandforestry(External link) to learn more about protections for City trees.