Proposed changes to Port Moody’s tree protection bylaw will adjust the requirements for developers and property owners to replace trees, afford greater protection to larger trees and establish a registry for significant landmark or legacy trees.
In a report to be presented to council’s city initiatives and planning committee on Tuesday, April 15, Port Moody’s manager of policy planning, Mary De Paoli, said the new rules are consistent with council’s strategic goal to strengthen the city’s urban forest and enhance its natural assets.
The revisions come more than five years after some councillors advocated for increased protection of Port Moody’s tree canopy.
“It’s such and important part of our climate action plan,” said Coun. Amy Lubik. “It’s critical for keeping our community safe in these extreme climate events.”
Some of the key proposed updates include:
- basing tree replacement requirements on the canopy cover potential of the new trees when they mature, meaning if the replacement trees will be smaller than those they’re replacing, more new trees will be need to be planted
- developers will have to pay a new refundable security deposit for trees to be retained on construction sites which will be refunded if the trees were protected adequately
- if development threatens trees with trunks 50 cm in diameter or larger, trees located in environmentally sensitive areas, rare or slow-growing native species like Pacific dogwood, Arbutus, Western white pine, Pacific yew, cascara and shore pine as well as landmark or legacy trees, the builder may have to modify proposed building envelopes and structures
As well, strata property owners will have to obtain a tree removal permit to remove any tree with a trunk 30 cm in diameter or greater.
A tree risk assessment report prepared by a qualified arbourist may also be required to confirm that tree to be removed is a hazard.
There will also be more reasons to require a permit for tree removal. They include:
- a tree with more than 50 per cent of its crown dead
- trees that present a hazard that can’t be mitigated except by removal
- trees whose roots are interfering with infrastructure like utilities and sewers
- trees that are within two metres of the foundation of existing buildings
- trees that must be removed to allow repairs to built structures, patio or rooftop
- if a tree falls within a planned construction zone, the builder must provide evidence that alternate solutions like relocating buildings or parking aren’t feasible
Failure to post a tree removal permit on site, prior to the removal of a tree will also result in a new $100 fine.
The proposed updates also include a nomination process to designate certain tress in Port Moody for protection because of their landmark or legacy value. They would then be added to a registry and permits would be required for their removal and any pruning work with penalties for damage or unauthorized removal.
To be considered a landmark or legacy, a tree must have:
- historical significance associated with a notable historic event, person or cultural tradition
- ecological value as a rare or endangered species, or it provides critical habitat
- visual significance that serves as a landmark or contributes to the landscape character of the area
- advanced age or exceptional size for its species
- significant meaning to the local community as a gathering place or symbolic role
Nominated trees will be verified for their eligibility by staff, including a site visit with the nominator.
An arbourist will also assess them for their health and structural integrity prior to submission of a report to the city’s parks and environment committee for review followed by consideration by council to make a final determination.
Port Moody giving away trees
Port Moody's "Take Root" program is giving away ready-to-plant trees to bolster the city's tree canopy.
The trees — one per household — are available to residents at the Port Moody farmers market at the recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.) on Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Fingerling Festival on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It also takes place at the recreation complex.
Proof of residency, such as a driver's licence or recent utility bill, is required to claim your tree, which cannot be used to satisfy tree replacement requirements for a tree removal permit.
All the trees come in five or ten gallon pots and range in height from two to six feet (.6 to 1.8 metres).
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