Guelph Urban Forest Friends (GUFF) has reviewed the draft Site Alteration By-Law. We note that the by-law does not include any tree protection measures, and would ask that such measures be a part of the by-law.The Town of Oakville’s site alteration by-law, for example, includes the
following:1. A prohibition on site alteration in designated environmentally sensitive areas;
2. Tree protection policies:
–every site alteration must be performed in accordance with tree protection policies; compliance with the policies is deemed to be a condition of every permit unless specifically exempted in writing
–tree protection measures are required for all Municipal Trees, and apply to Boundary Trees (trees within 6 metres of the property line)
–tree protection measures are encouraged for all trees and may be required
–Tree Protection Zones are determined based upon the size of the tree
–activities within Tree Protection Zones, such as disturbing the grade and storing materials, are prohibited
–tree protection barriers are required to be erected along the perimeter of the Tree Protection Zone
–signs on the tree protection barriers are required to identify the area as a tree protection zone and advising that removal of the barrier is prohibited
–security deposits for tree protection may be required and be held 24 months after the date of final inspection of the site to assure that the tree or trees have not been injured or destroyed as a result of the site alteration.We believe such protections are critical for the health of our valuable urban forest. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this by-law.
GUFF