Fort Erie strengthens commitment to preserve and protect natural heritage

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORT ERIE (March 20, 2023) – On March 18, 2024, the Town of Fort Erie Council approved By-law 33-2024: To Regulate the Destruction or Injuring of Trees within the Town of Fort Erie.

Town Council directed staff to initiate an updated “Tree by-law” that increases protection measures of natural heritage features, controls unnecessary tree removal, and identifies replanting obligations to preserve the vast urban area tree canopy in Fort Erie. Preservation of natural heritage aligns directly with three pillars of the Town’s Strategic Plan:

Environmental and Climate Change Resiliency.
Quality of Life and Community Well-Being.
Sustainable and Managed Growth.

"Fort Erie Town Council identified environmental protection and the preservation of natural heritage as a high priority in its vision and Strategic Plan. The new, updated By-law to regulate the destruction or injuring of trees improves on the previous version by increasing protective measures, reducing unnecessary tree removals, requiring replanting obligations and protects a much larger range of properties and, ultimately, preservation of the overall tree canopy."

– Chris McQueen, Chief Administrative Officer

Tree canopy retention has many benefits and is essential to our Natural Heritage System, providing community benefits both environmentally and economically including:

increased shade resulting in less energy consumption in summer months;
reduction of winter winds, resulting in less energy consumption in winter months;
stabilization of soils and slopes;
natural carbon sequestering of CO2 (safely storing it within woody plants and grasslands as part of photosynthesis);
wildlife habitats;
and increases physical enjoyment and mental well-being for residents.

“The Tree Harvesting By-Law affirms Council’s commitment to protecting and preserving our natural heritage for this and future generations. We are fortunate to live in the community with Niagara’s greatest tree canopy, but that is no reason for complacency in the face of climate change and the pressures accompanying growth. Staff has done a remarkable job providing Council with a by-law that balances growth and protects our natural heritage.”

- Mayor Wayne Redekop

(By-law 33-2024) was created to combat several ongoing issues related to tree removal within the Town of Fort Erie, including:

Tree removal before planning act approval;
Reduction in density due to the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer on Ash trees;
Invasive species;
Removal of large individual trees;
Publicly owned trees.

“I want to thank the Council for approving this great initiative. This will protect trees and enhance the town's tree canopy, especially in urban areas. It also safeguards the rights of property owners while preserving the environment. The goal is to protect healthy trees and support tree growth on streets, private property, and natural heritage features.”

- Anamika Dilwaria, Director, Planning and Development Services

Trees and areas that are subject to the new (By-law 33-2024):

Trees within the urban area that are greater than or equal to 30 DBH (diameter at breast height)
Trees designated as heritage trees or live within Natural Heritage areas
Trees of any size located on lands pending an application
Trees of any size located on lands where there has been a Pre-Consultation meeting with the Town
Trees of any size identified in a Tree Preservation Plan
Replacement trees
All public trees

A tree removal permit application system has been created. If an owner wishes to apply or learn more about what is required to complete an application, please visit our Trees Page. Please view (By-law 33-2024) to see what activities are exempt from this by-law and may qualify for an Exemption Letter.

If an owner has caused or permitted the injuring or destruction of trees, they may be issued a penalty notice by a Municipal By-law Officer. The penalty notice can include an administrative penalty. Schedule “A”(pg.14) of (By-law 33-2024) features an administrative penalty table with offences and penalty tiers. An officer may also issue an order requiring the owner or person who failed to comply to stop the destruction and injuring of trees.

For more information, please visit: https://www.forterie.ca/en/build-and-invest/trees.aspx

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kevin Beauchamp
Manager, Communications
905-871-1600

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