Forest Conservation Bylaw
Due to changes in the Municipal Act (2001), Regional Council adopted a new Forest Conservation Bylaw (No. TR - 0004-2005-036) in 2005. The new By-law requires the issuance of permits (Good Forestry Practices, Harvest Permit and Special Permit) to restrict and regulate the destruction of trees on private lands. Promotion and marketing of this By-law is an important environment educational tool.
Tree Bylaws
Call Before You Cut
The Municipal Act (2001), gives municipalities the authority to prohibit or regulate the destruction or injuring of trees. The Table below outlines Tree By-laws which have been passed within York Region.
Municipal Tree By-laws and Policies within York Region
| MUNICIPALITY |
SIZE |
|
|
|
WOODLAND, size greater than 1 hectare |
WOODLOT, size .2 hectare to 1 hectare |
SINGLE TREE Bylaws Note 1 |
| Aurora |
York Bylaw |
none |
Aurora Bylaw |
| East Gwillimbury |
York Bylaw |
York Bylaw |
none |
| Georgina |
York Bylaw |
York Bylaw |
none |
| King |
York Bylaw |
York Bylaw |
none |
| Markham |
York Bylaw |
York Bylaw |
Markham Bylaw |
| Newmarket |
York Bylaw |
Newmarket Bylaw |
Newmarket Tree Preservation Policy |
| Richmond Hill |
York Bylaw |
York Bylaw |
Richmond Hill Bylaw |
| Vaughan |
York Bylaw |
York Bylaw |
Vaughan Bylaw |
| Whitchurch-Stouffville |
York Bylaw |
York Bylaw |
none |
Note 1: Lower tier municipalities may regulate the destruction of individual trees or multiple trees. If in doubt contact York Regional Forestry Bylaw Officer.
Please note that recent changes to the Municipal Act (2001), have eliminated the right of appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board
Permits
Good Forestry Practices Permits ($25.00)
Click on the links below for information about the Good Forestry Practices Permit: Good Forestry Practice Permit Application Form (pdf)
Good Forestry Practice Permit Application Information (pdf)
Harvest Permits ($250.00)
Click on the links below for information about applying for a Harvest Permit Application: Harvest Permit Applicaiton Form (pdf)
Harvest Permit Applicaiton Information (pdf)
Special Permits ($250.00 or $500.00)
Click on the links below for information about applying for a Special Permit Application: Special Permit Application Form (pdf)
Special Permit Application Information (pdf)
Note 1: Bona Fide Farmer Fee ($25.00)
Despite the above fee schedules, where the property owner is a bona fide farmer (as defined under the Farm Registration and Farm Organization Act) the fee for all permits is $25.00.
Policy Framework
The Forest Conservation Bylaw states that "Regional Council has determined that it is desirable to enact a Bylaw for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the Regional Official Plan by sustaining a healthy natural environment while also having regard to good forestry practices."
The intent of the Forest Conservation Bylaw is to encourage management of woodlands according to good forestry practices. For questions or concerns related to the Forest Conservation Bylaw contact York Regional Forestry Bylaw Officer.
Reduced Taxes for Managed Forest Property
The managed Forest Tax Incentive program is administered by the Ontario Forestry Association and the Ontario Woodlot Association. Questions related to property assessment may be directed to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.
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