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Trees need protection as do air and water: Oakvillegreen continued from p.1 a year, with no permit, provided those trees were no larger than 76 cm in diameter. This policy also required no replanting. In a report to council, Town staff stated the existing bylaw has permitted too many healthy trees to be cut down and has negatively impacted Oakville's tree canopy. "It is estimated since the implementation of the private tree protection bylaw in 2008, more than one per cent of the town's tree canopy has been removed without compensation under the current notification provisions of the bylaw," stated Parks and Open Space Director Chris Mark in the report. "Removal of trees in the size class 20-40 cm (in diameter) makes up the bulk of trees removed." From 2012 to July 31, 2016 alone, Town staff estimated Oakville lost 5,852 healthy trees. Under the revised bylaw, any tree 15 cm (in diameter at breast height) and above to be removed from private property is required to have a permit and payment of applicable fees. The amendment also requires any healthy tree above 15 cm in diameter removed from private property to be replaced. The proposed fees would start at $50 for the removal of the first tree (15-24 cm). Each additional tree removal after that would cost $325. The removal of dead or dying trees would 5 | Friday, October 21, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com It is estimated since the implementation of the private tree bylaw in 2008, more than one per cent of the town's tree canopy has been removed without compensation under the current notification provisions of the bylaw. Director, Parks and Open Space, Oakville Chris Mark Oakville Ward 2 Councillor Cathy Duddeck called for great public notification of when someone has applied to take down a number of trees in a neighbourhood. The proposed changes to the bylaw were well-received by a number of residents. Janet Haslett-Theall of the Joshua Creek Residents Association (JCRA) said she supported the amendment, but called for increased enforcement of the bylaw and increased penalties for violations. She said it is equally important to address the loss of tree canopy on lands under development and called for more work to properly address this issue. Oakvillegreen Conservation Association President Karen Brock said her group strongly supports the proposed amendment. "Trees need the same type of protections that we put in place to keep our air and water healthy for all our citizens," said Brock. "Whether they are on municipal lands, private lands, school properties or provincial lands, trees all work to improve our environment and they are all deserving of equal protection no matter where their roots are." still require a permit, however, there would be no fees. "Oakville's tree canopy is a community asset, and council is committed to protecting and enhancing it wherever possible," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton in a press release. "Thanks to considerable public input, improvements to the bylaw will ensure we continue towards our 40 per cent canopy coverage goal and create an even cleaner, greener Oakville." In the report to council, Mark noted while the number of trees cut down through the private tree bylaw permit process is expected to be the same, the recommended changes to the bylaw will prompt more replanting and will help offset any negative impact to the community canopy. A STEP BEYOND IN CARE Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? Do you have: Call for an appointment 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com APPLEBY SYSTEMS FIREPLACE, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS OAKVILLE 905.825.1893 BURLINGTON 905.335.3203 2086 SpeerS rd., Oakville Come See Our SHOWROOM Mon - Fri. 8am ­ 5pm; Saturday 11am ­ 4pm www.applebysystems.ca Home Comfort From Our Family To Yours Thinking of Retiring... Someday? Let's Talk. Visit our website to sign up for a free consultation. Peter Watson MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI Jennifer Watson B.A. 220 Randall Street, Downtown Oakville 905-842-2100 peterwatsoninvestments.com Delivering Since 1967 SAVE 30 $ 00 Have a maintenance tune-up on your furnace or fireplace and receive up to $30.00 off your final bill