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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 16, 2006 - 15 Town seeking comment on proposed tree bylaw By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER For more stories on your community, visit www.oakvillebeaver.com Proudly Made in Canada beachcomber factory Should trees on private property be the business of the property owner? Or should they receive protection from the town? Oakville residents are being asked to grapple with that question over the next several months, in response to a proposed tree protection bylaw released by the town earlier this week. The draft bylaw, which has been released for public comment, would require property owners to get a $250 permit from the town in order to cut down or injure any tree with a diameter greater than 30 cm. Owners of designated heritage properties would be required to get a permit to cut down trees with diameters greater than 15 cm. Permits, with a maximum total cost of $1,000, would also be required if three or more trees with diameters of 15 cm were to be removed within a 12-month period. The draft bylaw calls for the permit fee to be waived to remove dead or dying trees, but would require the property owner to submit a report from a certified arborist verifying the tree's ill-health. Most trees in the 15 cm diameter range would be about 10 or 15 years old, noted town staff. However, many factors, including species, care and location can impact on how quickly a tree grows. A staff report outlining the proposed bylaw suggests a designated town official would be directed to grant permits on a caseby-case basis, after consideration of the circumstances. Along with dead, dying or hazardous trees, permits would also be issued to remove trees to allow for building, parking lot or pool installations or expansions. However, the town staff report adds: "Although there is no definitive list of reasons to deny a permit, the Town anticipates that permits would be denied for purely cosmetic, convenience or arbitrary reasons." The proposed bylaw would also allow the town to require replacement trees to be planted as a condition of the tree removal permit, or to require a contribution be made to a municipal Tree Replacement Fund. Applicants would be allowed to appeal permit refusals or conditions to a Tree Appeals Committee made up of three members of town council, although an appeal fee would be levied. Only applicants, not interested parties, would be allowed to file appeals. Applicants unhappy with the decision of the Tree Appeals Committee could file a further appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). The bylaw also requires an applicant to obtain written permission from an adjacent landowner to remove trees that straddle property lines, and to post notice of a permit before and after a tree injury or removal. The town will be soliciting public opinion on the draft bylaw until Sept. 1. The bylaw is available for review on the town's website at www.oakville.ca, and can be accessed by the link on the home page. A final bylaw, potentially containing revisions based on public feedback, will be brought to the town's Community Services Committee in mid-September. HOT TUB Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10-9pm 10-6pm 10-6pm 3 DAYS ONLY! SALE SAVEto$ 5511 up on selected models! JUNE 16-18 We have pre-owned hot tubs at drastically reduced prices ­ these are first come, first served! Beachcomber opens its warehouse doors Check our selection of hot tubs with a minor imperfection ­ you can save money now! Make Dad happy on Father's Day! for this 5th Annual Hot Tub Sale! 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