Endorse the proposed updates to the Private Tree Protection By-law (“Private Tree By-law” or “By-law”), as attached to report 2025-25 as amended…

2:39:24Dave Beaton, Program Manager of Forestry

2:39:26and Sustainable Landscapes and Margot Ersek,

2:39:29Principal Planning Ecologist from Grounded Solutions

2:39:31are here today for council to consider

2:39:33and endorse proposed changes

2:39:35to our existing private tree bylaw.

2:39:38Our process commenced in 2022

2:39:40and has included fulsome community engagement

2:39:43with updates to council at specific intervals.

2:39:45We've been reminded from you and residents

2:39:48how important a healthy tree canopy is to Guelph

2:39:51as well as the challenges this presents

2:39:53in an urban context.

2:39:55As you will hear from Tamiya,

2:39:56our recommendations have been carefully considered

2:39:58using a transparent and balanced process

2:40:01for selecting options and arriving at final recommendations.

2:40:04We all desire a healthy tree canopy here in Guelph

2:40:07so we are continuing this journey

2:40:09from a good place of common understanding.

2:40:11And that's Tamiya.

2:40:19Okay, good afternoon Chair Downer

2:40:22and council and Mayor Guthrie.

2:40:25Okay, perfect.

2:40:27Okay, so since the last update

2:40:29of the private tree protection bylaw,

2:40:31the city has recommitted to our 40% canopy cover goal.

2:40:36The private tree protection bylaw is just one of the tools,

2:40:39the regulatory tools that will help us

2:40:42along the way to achieve that goal.

2:40:55Today we're going to review the purpose.

2:40:59We're here to talk about the purpose of the presentation

2:41:01and the key directions report.

2:41:04We are going to talk about the strategic plan alignment,

2:41:07the project timeline and progress.

2:41:10We're going to talk about the private tree protection

2:41:12bylaw scope update, the key findings of the research

2:41:17and the reports and other related updates as well.

2:41:22We're also going to talk about financial implications

2:41:24and then next steps.

2:41:30So since the last private tree protection bylaw update,

2:41:35there has been a shift towards intensification.

2:41:38There's been a need to adapt to climate change

2:41:41as per the strategic plan.

2:41:43There's been a need to align with other updated city policies

2:41:47and rules.

2:41:49Also periodic updates are recommended best practice

2:41:52by the city's urban forest management plan.

2:41:56The outcome we're hoping for out of this presentation

2:41:59is seeking the approval of the proposed changes

2:42:02to the private tree protection bylaw

2:42:05to provide you the rationale for the updates

2:42:08through the key directions report,

2:42:11to seek approval of the fee structure,

2:42:13an updated fee structure to come into effect

2:42:16if this bylaw is adopted.

2:42:19And then eventually to talk about the financial implications

2:42:24and how we will seek funding to effectively implement

2:42:27the updated private tree protection bylaw if adopted.

2:42:34The city's strategic plan identifies the update

2:42:39of the private tree bylaw, protection bylaw,

2:42:42to increase the city's ability to effectively regulate

2:42:45the destruction and injuring of trees.

2:42:52And as Jean mentioned, the timeline for the project

2:42:56has occurred over a two year time period.

2:42:59There were six tasks or are six tasks in the project.

2:43:03We are at task six, the final culmination of the project

2:43:08through the proposed updated bylaw.

2:43:12Earlier in the project though, we did engage

2:43:16with the community twice and with council as well,

2:43:22as well as produce an issues and options report

2:43:26and the key directions report

2:43:28that you have as an attachment today.

2:43:36Okay, perfect.

2:43:37And I'm going to pass it on to Margot or Sim.

2:43:46So is it back here?

2:43:48There we go.

2:43:52Good afternoon.

2:43:54So in terms of the key findings of some of the work,

2:43:59more than 30% of Wells Tree canopy cover

2:44:02is growing on private property.

2:44:04So I think as most of you know, current canopy cover

2:44:07in Guelph based on the last assessment

2:44:09was about 23% canopy cover.

2:44:12The proposed update estimated 10%.

2:44:18So what does that mean?

2:44:19So if we're looking at, I'm just gonna,

2:44:20I'm not gonna try not to give you too many numbers,

2:44:22but a couple of key ones.

2:44:24So if the 23% is all the canopy cover 100%,

2:44:28right now the current bylaw in place covers about,

2:44:30captures about 50% of that, so half.

2:44:33The bylaw that we are presenting today,

2:44:35the updated one captures 60%.

2:44:38The most possible that we could regulate in the city

2:44:41on private land would be 70%.

2:44:43So we've kind of cut it down the middle.

2:44:45So just to put that in perspective.

2:44:48The next point, the private tree bylaw is Guelph's

2:44:52primary tool for legislating tree protection

2:44:55on private property.

2:44:57So the private tree bylaw, as you know,

2:44:59the city's had one for many years in 1986.

2:45:03It's a good tool, it's an important tool,

2:45:05but it's not the only tool.

2:45:06It works together with other policies.

2:45:09It works together with stewardship initiatives,

2:45:10the tree planting strategy.

2:45:12So it works with all those things together to sustain,

2:45:16to maintain, to enhance the city's tree canopy cover.

2:45:20Third point, community engagement demonstrated

2:45:24a number of things and we had mixed results.

2:45:26I've got another slide, so I won't get into that

2:45:28in too much detail, but it basically spoke to us

2:45:32and said that an expanded scope of the bylaw

2:45:35was important to the community

2:45:37and that regulating mature trees was also a priority

2:45:40for many of the residents and the participants.

2:45:44One of the things that was also very interesting

2:45:47in terms of the outcome of the engagement

2:45:48was that very few people actually knew about the bylaw

2:45:51that's in place today.

2:45:53That many people did not fully understand the bylaw,

2:45:56which is understandable, it's not the simplest thing

2:45:58to understand.

2:46:00And so as part of the new bylaw that's coming forward

2:46:03the updated bylaw I should say,

2:46:06it will be very important to have a communications plan

2:46:09to roll it out to help improve that knowledge

2:46:12and that understanding.

2:46:14And the last point, so the current private tree bylaw

2:46:17is not fully resourced.

2:46:19So again, very important.

2:46:20So we're looking at expanding this bylaw.

2:46:23We already need, or I should say the city already requires,

2:46:27staff required additional resources

2:46:28to implement the current bylaw.

2:46:30And then in addition to that,

2:46:32we need further resources to resource the expanded bylaw.

2:46:36One of the key best practices that's available out there

2:46:40with respect to private tree bylaws

2:46:42and I think is understood by staff here as well

2:46:46is that it is not great to have a private tree bylaw

2:46:50that's really restrictive if you're not actually

2:46:51gonna implement and enforce it.

2:46:56Ooh, now I'm going the wrong way.

2:46:58Okay.

2:47:00Ooh, I shouldn't have pressed that one at all.

2:47:03Uh-oh, now I'm in trouble.

2:47:05Okay.

2:47:07We may need help here.

2:47:09While someone is fixing that for me,

2:47:10I do know what the next slide says

2:47:12and I won't keep you waiting any longer

2:47:13so it's where we landed.

2:47:15Oh, look at you, Jean.

2:47:16Have these tech wizards.

2:47:18Excellent, thank you.

2:47:19But now I don't know how to advance the slides still.

2:47:21So you don't have to show me.

2:47:24Sorry.

2:47:25So the big green button.

2:47:27Oh, the big green button, excellent.

2:47:29So here's where we landed.

2:47:32We landed on regulation of mature trees,

2:47:3550 centimeters diameter on all private property

2:47:39plus the existing bylaw.

2:47:40So the existing bylaw is small trees,

2:47:43relatively small trees, so 10 centimeters and above

2:47:45on properties that are 0.2 hectares and above.

2:47:48So that's about half an acre.

2:47:51I like to compare that to the size of a hockey arena.

2:47:53That's a good analogy that we give to people

2:47:55to give them a sense of the size of that lot.

2:47:59Okay, I've got it now.

2:48:02So community engagement.

2:48:03As Tamea mentioned, we engage with the community twice.

2:48:08We had, I would say, a relatively good responsible.

2:48:11The first engagement,

2:48:12we had almost 300 survey respondents.

2:48:14We engaged with over 80 participants in focus groups,

2:48:17pop-ups, community sessions.

2:48:20The second round, we had over 450 survey responses

2:48:24and we reached out and engaged with over 200 people.

2:48:28So again, through being at the market,

2:48:31being at the Victoria Rec Center, various places,

2:48:34reaching out to people and chatting with them

2:48:36and having virtual and in-person sessions.

2:48:39What did we hear?

2:48:41Well, we heard that more than half the participants

2:48:44supported expanding the scope of the current bylaw.

2:48:46So people recognized there was a need to do more,

2:48:50but opinions were very divided.

2:48:51Again, not shockingly on how that should be done.

2:48:55We heard that one of the big themes

2:48:57that came across as already mentioned

2:48:59is that people were very concerned about mature trees.

2:49:01So that was a pretty consistent priority,

2:49:03about half, more than half of the participants

2:49:06that we heard from that came across quite clearly.

2:49:09And most of the survey respondents were also supportive

2:49:13of some additional investment,

2:49:15recognizing that it's important to implement

2:49:17and enforce the bylaw that's in place.

2:49:20But we also heard a lot about not wanting additional costs.

2:49:23We heard that from yourselves at council.

2:49:26We heard that from a lot of residents as well.

2:49:29So I'm just going to take a moment here

2:49:34because I'm here in my professional capacity as a consultant,

2:49:37but I also live in Guelph,

2:49:39and I also do other things on the side.

2:49:41And so I think what we heard from the community

2:49:44can kind of fall into three baskets

2:49:46and it was pretty evenly spread.

2:49:48We have the one basket,

2:49:49and I'm gonna say me as resident.

2:49:52So a number of years ago,

2:49:56we decided that we would like to have a trampoline

2:49:58to keep our two kids bouncing inside, bouncing outside.

2:50:02And we needed to remove silver maple in the backyard

2:50:06to do that.

2:50:07At the time, I think the tree was probably

2:50:09about 30 centimeters diameter.

2:50:12Big enough that we did manage to remove it ourselves.

2:50:15Under a more restrictive bylaw,

2:50:17we would have had to go through a permanent process.

2:50:19Would I have been happy about that as a resident?

2:50:22No, I wouldn't have.

2:50:24So that represented, I would say,

2:50:26a good third of the community that we heard,

2:50:28you know, and you've heard it as well.

2:50:31They don't want additional regulation.

2:50:32It's understandable, right?

2:50:33I get it.

2:50:35Then there's the other side of me,

2:50:36the environmental advocate, the ecologist.

2:50:39I know what other municipalities are doing.

2:50:41I've researched it, we've written about it.

2:50:44Lots of municipalities have private tree balls.

2:50:46Lots of municipalities have bylaws

2:50:48that are more restrictive than 50 centimeters diameter.

2:50:50There's lots of 20, there's lots with 30.

2:50:54And so part of me is saying,

2:50:56well, why aren't we going stronger with this?

2:50:58So why aren't we?

2:51:03The professional.

2:51:04So this is what we did.

2:51:06We were tasked with identifying criteria

2:51:09for going through all the different options.

2:51:11We started off with a very long list of options.

2:51:14I'm gonna say more than 15 different combinations.

2:51:17Combinations of everything from 10 centimeters

2:51:21on every property across the city,

2:51:23all the way up to just sticking with the regular bylaw.

2:51:26We stopped it there because removing the bylaw

2:51:28was not an option that was on the table for us.

2:51:30So that was sort of our threshold.

2:51:33And we looked at all those options.

2:51:35We ran them through these criteria

2:51:37and we narrowed it down to nine.

2:51:40Then we went out to the, did further analysis,

2:51:43came to you about a year ago, March of 2024.

2:51:47We had narrowed it down to four options

2:51:49that we were going out to the community with,

2:51:51with the understanding that we might end up

2:51:53with some combinations in there.

2:51:54And these are the options that we ended up with.

2:51:57So A there is sticking with the current bylaw, no change.

2:52:02B was going to slightly smaller lots,

2:52:04but still keeping the focus on small trees

2:52:07on large urlots in the city.

2:52:09C is what we'll call the green option

2:52:12or the greenest option that's there.

2:52:14So 20 centimeters on all lots across the city.

2:52:18With the caveat that you do have a bit of a loss

2:52:21in regulation with that option,

2:52:23because you don't have the 10 centimeters

2:52:25on the larger lots.

2:52:27Option D, which is where we landed.

2:52:29So that's the trees of 50 centimeters diameter.

2:52:32So what we'll call mature trees,

2:52:35plus the current bylaw.

2:52:38And then option E, which was added afterwards

2:52:42based on feedback that we had

2:52:43from the natural heritage advisory committee,

2:52:46basically looking at mature trees,

2:52:47but then combining that with slightly smaller lots.

2:52:52So the criteria across the top,

2:52:54and again, a lot of effort and thought

2:52:56went into these to be transparent

2:52:58and to keep ourselves as unbiased as possible,

2:53:01understanding that we all come with our biases as well.

2:53:04So the first two criteria are the environmental ones.

2:53:07So they look at the proportion of trees regulated,

2:53:09as well as the proportion of canopy,

2:53:11understanding that these are estimates.

2:53:14We're basing it on analysis that was done

2:53:15a number of years ago,

2:53:17and that the canopy is evolving every day, every year.

2:53:21The next two criteria are what I would call

2:53:24more the community ones.

2:53:26So one was level of protection.

2:53:28So we didn't want a bylaw that would reduce,

2:53:34we knew we had to move the needle somewhat.

2:53:36And then also considering what we heard from the community.

2:53:39And then the last two were really looking at more

2:53:41the logistics of it, I guess I would say,

2:53:44the considering level of complexity.

2:53:49So understanding that as soon as you go

2:53:51from focusing on larger lots to every single lot,

2:53:54private lot, you are adding complexity to this bylaw

2:53:58from an administrative perspective

2:53:59and various other perspectives.

2:54:02And also cost related to that, to implementation.

2:54:07So in looking at these options,

2:54:09you can see that they all came in not that far

2:54:12from each other, which at least reassured us

2:54:15that we were taking a somewhat balanced approach,

2:54:17but we did end up at the, down the middle, I would say,

2:54:2150 centimeter diameter on all lots,

2:54:24plus maintaining the protections in place.

2:54:26So basically, most trees, 10 centimeters and above

2:54:30on the larger lots.

2:54:31And with that, I will pass it back to you, to me.

2:54:40Okay, some of the other updates that were part of this project,

2:54:44besides the scope, was refining, removing,

2:54:49and adding multiple definitions.

2:54:52The purpose of that was just to improve clarity

2:54:54and update some of those definitions.

2:54:58We refined, removed, and added multiple exemptions as well.

2:55:03There are multiple exemptions in the current bylaw

2:55:06in section four, and so we reviewed and went through those.

2:55:10The purpose of doing that was to improve,

2:55:14mainly to improve tree replacement for canopy loss.

2:55:17So where there were exemptions for certain things,

2:55:22when there was an exemption,

2:55:23there wouldn't be requirements for compensation

2:55:27or even an application for a permit under the bylaw.

2:55:33We also added new permit fees,

2:55:35and revised existing permit fees.

2:55:38And the purpose of that was to maximize the cost recovery

2:55:42with equitable fees.

2:55:44And I'll talk about that a little bit more on the next slide.

2:55:50So the main, there's a few main changes,

2:55:53but first of all, the first fee

2:55:55that most people are familiar with is the permit fee.

2:55:58So currently the permit fee,

2:56:00an application permit fee is $122,

2:56:03and there's no tree limit with that.

2:56:06The revised permit is $150 for one to three trees,

2:56:12but then additional trees above and beyond three trees

2:56:17is $50 a tree, but to a maximum permit fee of $500.

2:56:23And what that does, the change in the permit fee,

2:56:26what that does is it builds in a scale

2:56:29for different types of applicants.

2:56:31So addressing the cost rate for a resident

2:56:38who is removing one tree versus another property owner

2:56:42that may be removing 10 trees.

2:56:47We've added a new permit appeal fee,

2:56:50because again, if some of you aren't aware,

2:56:52there is a permit appeal process as part of the bylaw.

2:56:58We're removing the tree compensation fee of $500,

2:57:03which is the cash in, some of you know it as a cash in loop

2:57:06per tree removed fee, which is currently written

2:57:09in the current bylaw, we're removing that

2:57:13and replacing it with a tree compensation

2:57:16or a cash in loop or replacement tree required of $350.

2:57:22The main reason for that is being that replacing one tree

2:57:27at a cost of $500 does not cover the cost

2:57:33of replacing that tree.

2:57:35So it was to build a balance out

2:57:36so that we could grow the canopy

2:57:38because if we were to continue with the $500,

2:57:41we wouldn't be replacing canopy

2:57:43at the rate that we would like to,

2:57:45or that's appropriate I should say.

2:57:48The tree compensation security deposit

2:57:53for replacement trees required.

2:57:56Currently the average is about $650 per tree

2:58:00and that's usually based on landscape cost estimates.

2:58:05We're actually setting a standard rate of $350.

2:58:09So we're going to match the tree compensation

2:58:14cash in loop fee with the security fee.

2:58:17And what that means is if you remove a tree

2:58:19and you are replacing two trees on the property,

2:58:22you would submit to the city a security fee of $700

2:58:30to the city that would be refundable.

2:58:32Once there has been an inspection done,

2:58:34again there will be processes built

2:58:35and found the road for that.

2:58:37And lastly, the tree bylaw compliance inspection fee,

2:58:44this doesn't currently exist.

2:58:46This is for $500 and it's meant when staff

2:58:51is taking time for inspections

2:58:54when there are violations occurring.

2:58:56Some of those inspections can take days,

2:59:01hours if not days.

2:59:05With financial implications,

2:59:07the proposed updated private tree protection bylaw

2:59:10will require an increase to the annual operating budget

2:59:14expenditures approximately by 222,000

2:59:20to provide resources to implement the updated bylaw

2:59:24funded by an estimated $104,000 in additional

2:59:28user fee revenue and $118,000 tax support,

2:59:31which is 0.03% tax levy impact

2:59:35through the 2026 budget confirmation process.

2:59:44And lastly, next steps, if the private tree bylaw,

2:59:48protection bylaw is adopted, we would be looking at

2:59:52and continuing in some cases, updating internal

2:59:55and external processes to implement the bylaw

2:59:58and the associated fees.

3:00:00We would be updating the city's current tree

3:00:03technical manual, which if some of you are familiar with it,

3:00:07it sets out standards guidelines for tree protection,

3:00:13tree protection fencing, tree planting, and other things.

3:00:18Sorry, very importantly there, the compensation approaches,

3:00:23the tree replacement approaches.

3:00:26We would also develop a companion private tree bylaw guide

3:00:31to assist members of the public

3:00:32in navigating the permit process.

3:00:34And that might take the form of website updates,

3:00:38communication, education, whatnot.

3:00:45Thank you very much.

3:00:48Thank you, Tim.

3:00:49So I think we're gonna go right to delegations

3:00:52and then we'll go through to questions.

3:00:54So our one and only delegation is Morgan Dandy.

3:00:58If you would like to come forward.

3:01:25Hello, so Ms. Dandy, I don't need to remind you

3:01:35of the procedures you're here.

3:01:37You know them very well.

3:01:41Good afternoon, committee members and fellow Guelphites.

3:01:43I wish to extend a huge thank you to our city staff

3:01:48for presenting the option that provides a balance

3:01:50in tree protection and respecting people's pocket books.

3:01:56I am most pleased because the update

3:01:58to the private tree protection bylaw

3:02:01will protect the gorgeous old oak tree

3:02:05that's in the backyard of the house

3:02:07that I chose to purchase when I moved to Guelph.

3:02:12The two and a half years staff has been afforded

3:02:15to develop this bylaw is evident.

3:02:18I'm sure we can all agree that Guelph city staff

3:02:23produce exceptional reports that provide transparency

3:02:28to those who spend, who choose to spend their time reading them.

3:02:33Whether you're on city council or a policy geek like me,

3:02:39Guelph city staff reports are essential

3:02:43to our understanding of local government and governance

3:02:48for which we've all expressed gratitude.

3:02:52As I was looking at the timeline of this project

3:02:55and reflecting on my delegation last week,

3:02:58it struck me that it's likely this dedication

3:03:01to excellence embodied in Guelph city staff

3:03:05that allowed them to craft a public use bylaw

3:03:09in 11 days that is yet to face any charter challenge,

3:03:12but I digress.

3:03:15As the soil delegation on the updated

3:03:18private tree protection bylaw,

3:03:20after extensive community engagement,

3:03:24I'm happy to see our most mature trees

3:03:27being protected across our beautiful city

3:03:30as we work of 40%.

3:03:36I look forward to seeing this bylaw passed

3:03:39and hopefully it will pass with unanimity.

3:03:47Any questions of the delegate?

3:03:50Okay, have a seat now.

3:03:51Thank you.

3:03:53Okay, first I'd like to go to either any questions of staff

3:03:59or the consultants and then we'll go to,

3:04:04oh, we got somebody with table to motion,

3:04:05Councillor Goller, seconded by Mayor Guthrie.

3:04:10And then I understand there's an amendment.

3:04:13So let's go to questions first

3:04:16and then we'll go to the comments,

3:04:18Councillor Goller and then Councillor Boussoud.

3:04:21Thank you, and through you, Chair,

3:04:23Donor to staff.

3:04:25Thank you so much for all the work that's gone into this.

3:04:27I really appreciate it.

3:04:29I am curious, during the presentation,

3:04:31you mentioned that many people did not know about this.

3:04:34And I'm just curious,

3:04:35could you elaborate a little bit more

3:04:37about the tree protection bylaw

3:04:40once we approve a new one?

3:04:43What will be the new communication strategy

3:04:45to ensure that it is more widely known in the community?

3:04:48You did mention changes to the website and the manual,

3:04:50but I'm wondering, is there more to get this

3:04:53out to the community?

3:04:58Through you, Chair Donor.

3:05:00Yes, we do plan to do substantial communication.

3:05:05We've already developed a communication tactic plan

3:05:09that will include social media, website updates,

3:05:11public notices, and the whole box of tools

3:05:18that we would normally do.

3:05:21Again, some of those are initial,

3:05:23like if the bylaw is approved,

3:05:25some of those are just initial communications

3:05:27to let people know that there's been a change.

3:05:30But the other pieces of communication and education

3:05:33and outreach will happen over the following months

3:05:38and even further, right?

3:05:40So as people uptake it,

3:05:41again reaching out to even directly through email

3:05:44to tree care professionals, consultants, developers,

3:05:48and whatnot, again, some of those key stakeholders

3:05:50that were involved in the focus groups or outside of those.

3:05:54So yeah, we do plan to do some substantial

3:05:56outreach communication and education.

3:05:58Okay, that's very helpful.

3:06:00Thank you very much.

3:06:01I wanted to ask through you, Chair,

3:06:03another question about the exemptions built

3:06:06into the bylaw that is proposed.

3:06:09It's my understanding that if there is any damage

3:06:13or injuries or sickness to the trees,

3:06:15then they would be exempt.

3:06:17Is that, could you just go over those a little bit

3:06:19to understand what would not require someone

3:06:22to pay the tree replacement costs?

3:06:28Through you, Chair Downer.

3:06:32The current bylaw has exemptions for dead, dying,

3:06:35and diseased trees, as well as high-risk trees,

3:06:38which are trees that you might know

3:06:40as hazardous or dangerous in general.

3:06:43The exemptions carry through, but slightly differently.

3:06:48There's still exemptions.

3:06:52Again, there wouldn't be a permit fee

3:06:54for those ones that are exempt.

3:06:56Some of the exemptions maintain the condition

3:07:00of approval from city staff.

3:07:04Those ones do not.

3:07:05So for a dead tree, you're just simply exempt

3:07:09from the bylaw.

3:07:11Same with some of the others.

3:07:12So those continue and carry through.

3:07:15Okay, thank you.

3:07:16And in case of redevelopment or new development,

3:07:20would there be any exemptions

3:07:22or would those trees if someone is, say,

3:07:24adding to their home or building a new property,

3:07:29would any sort of development or redevelopment

3:07:32trigger exemptions or would those fall

3:07:34under the replacement provisions?

3:07:39The exemptions would be triggered regardless,

3:07:43whether it's a development or through a planning application

3:07:48or not through a planning application,

3:07:50the exemptions apply across the board to everybody.

3:07:55Sorry, may I maybe rephrase your question?

3:07:57Just understand, it's a healthy tree

3:08:00and there's going to be a redevelopment.

3:08:02Just to be clear, if there's a redevelopment

3:08:05or an expansion, then they would have to replace the tree.

3:08:08They're just to be clear, right?

3:08:14Yes.

3:08:14Okay, thank you.

3:08:15Thank you very much.

3:08:17Thank you, chair.

3:08:17Those are all my questions,

3:08:19but I do have a motion after questions.

3:08:22Thank you.

3:08:22Thank you.

3:08:23Councillor Bouset-Hill.

3:08:25Yes, thank you.

3:08:26And through chair Downer,

3:08:27thank you for this report.

3:08:28This is excellent.

3:08:30I really love the retention.

3:08:32And we all know that large trees have a big impact

3:08:35on battling climate change.

3:08:37Just to the staff through the chair,

3:08:40in the first slide, it talks about why are we here

3:08:43and the need to adapt to climate change

3:08:45as per the strategic plan.

3:08:47So my question is kind of related.

3:08:50It's about heat islands in the city of Guelph.

3:08:54And whether it's this private tree bylaw

3:08:59that's here in front of us today.

3:09:01And I know that we've taken historically

3:09:04some initiatives to encourage more private tree planting.

3:09:08Take root comes to mind and so on.

3:09:11So what is the retention of what we have now

3:09:13in this bylaw does that?

3:09:15My question is on that strategic plan,

3:09:19have we ever looked at the bylaw

3:09:23having some kind of measures to not penalize,

3:09:28but to encourage in some way tree planting

3:09:32on lots where there are none,

3:09:34on residences where there are none.

3:09:36I know about the take root and free trees and so on,

3:09:39but whether it's part of a bylaw

3:09:42or part of a plan specifically related

3:09:44to heat islands and climate change.

3:09:49Through you chair Downer,

3:09:51no the bylaw does not speak to that

3:09:54or require somebody who hasn't removed

3:09:57or injured a tree to plant trees on their property.

3:10:02Am I understanding your question?

3:10:04No, thank you.

3:10:05It's those properties that have no trees.

3:10:08So we're looking at a strategic plan,

3:10:11a canopy strategy here that is retaining

3:10:14where there are trees.

3:10:16My question is, and I know it's not part of this research,

3:10:20maybe a takeaway, two things.

3:10:22City identifying heat islands

3:10:24where there are areas of concern

3:10:28for extreme heat in the future and so on.

3:10:30And as you're looking at the bylaw,

3:10:33the next step to take this away

3:10:34and encourage more private tree planting

3:10:38within that umbrella of a bylaw.

3:10:41All right, thank you.

3:10:42Okay, that's not addressed directly through this bylaw,

3:10:46but it was something that's addressed through

3:10:47a one canopy tree planting strategy

3:10:50and developing strategic planting plans

3:10:53based on specifically heat islands, low canopy and whatnot.

3:10:58So that's something we'll take away,

3:11:00but it's part of the one planting,

3:11:03one canopy tree planting strategy.

3:11:09Thank you, Councillor Corrone.

3:11:12Yes, I was looking at the key findings report

3:11:17and trying to understand what percentage of our canopy

3:11:21is trees between 10 centimeters and 50 centimeters.

3:11:25I know you're recommending 50 centimeter

3:11:29protection on private lots.

3:11:30And I believe it's figure,

3:11:34just trying to find the right figure.

3:11:36Table one on page 14.

3:11:41So I just wanna make sure I'm reading it correctly.

3:11:4322% of our canopy is trees

3:11:48at least 20 centimeters in diameter on private lots.

3:11:53Where's that?

3:11:56Yes, that's across the city.

3:11:59Three, sorry, three chair downer, just to confirm.

3:12:09And my apologies for not asking this question.

3:12:11No, I just need to double check to make sure I'm right.

3:12:14These numbers are percentages for the coverage

3:12:17of an estimated population across the city,

3:12:23not just on private property.

3:12:25Yeah.

3:12:26Okay, okay, that's great.

3:12:27And my understanding, and again,

3:12:30this is more of a technical question,

3:12:32but the difference between a 20 centimeter,

3:12:3630 centimeter, 40 centimeter, 50 centimeter

3:12:39is very dependent on the type of tree.

3:12:42So this is more of a technical question.

3:12:44You could have a tree with a 30 centimeter diameter

3:12:48at breast height that is 100 years old,

3:12:51and you can have a tree that's 50 centimeters,

3:12:53that might be only 25 or 30 years old.

3:12:56Is that correct?

3:12:59Three chair downer, yes, that is correct.

3:13:02Based on the species, okay, thanks.

3:13:06Okay, thank you.

3:13:06So I'll go to Councillor Rodrigo.

3:13:12Councillor Rodrigo, Councillor Goller.

3:13:15Now for his, you have an amendment you wanna put on the floor.

3:13:17Thank you, three chair.

3:13:18I would ask the clerk to put that up.

3:13:22And I'll be looking for a seconder to this motion.

3:13:25I see that Councillor Caron has raised her hand.

3:13:28Thank you, Leanne.

3:13:30And this direction is for staff to amend the definition.

3:13:35Regulated tree in the private tree protection bylaw

3:13:38to mean a tree at least 10 centimeters

3:13:40in diameter located in a private lot.

3:13:43So that stays the same, larger than 0.2 hectares,

3:13:46and this is where it changes.

3:13:48And a tree of at least 30 centimeters

3:13:50located in any private lot.

3:13:53So with this motion, we are increasing the protection

3:13:57from 50 to 30 centimeters or lots.

3:14:02And if I may give us some rationale, chair?

3:14:05Yes, please go ahead.

3:14:07Thank you.

3:14:09I really appreciate all the work that's done on this.

3:14:12And through the background research,

3:14:14they showed us that several municipalities in Ontario

3:14:17do in fact protect trees that are 30 or smaller,

3:14:21including both Toronto and Ottawa.

3:14:23They have regulations to protect trees

3:14:25that are at least 30.

3:14:27And by making this change, we would be protecting

3:14:33about an extra 10% of our urban trees

3:14:36by going from the 50 down to the 30.

3:14:41Now, as presented by Councillor Caron,

3:14:44depending on the species that we're looking at,

3:14:46the base home fir, the trembling aspen,

3:14:50both of those trees are common in the Guelph area,

3:14:53and they would reach their mature size

3:14:55at around 30 centimeters in diameter.

3:14:58So by making this change, we would be capturing

3:15:01a greater proportion of mature trees

3:15:04that provide many benefits to our community.

3:15:07You know, we have to think about stormwater management,

3:15:10the air quality improvements, carbon sequestration,

3:15:13the energy savings from that extra canopy

3:15:16that we've protected, and also,

3:15:19even though we don't use property values

3:15:22to make decisions often, but it would retain property values.

3:15:26It's about three to seven percent increase

3:15:29in property values when you have trees on your properties.

3:15:33And because we are in a time of development

3:15:37and redevelopment, the city is growing.

3:15:41And unless we put this in place,

3:15:44we may see many of those trees

3:15:46that are smaller than the 50 centimeters diameter.

3:15:49And when there's a redevelopment,

3:15:50there would be no requirement for those property owners

3:15:54to replant them, to replant the trees.

3:15:57So I would urge my council colleagues

3:15:59to consider supporting this

3:16:01for the benefit of all residents in Guelph,

3:16:04not only the environmental, the health benefits,

3:16:07but in the community.

3:16:09And something that I keep on reminding myself,

3:16:13my neighbor's trees impact me and my family,

3:16:16and two doors over, they impact me, and in the neighborhood.

3:16:19So having a stricter regulation

3:16:22to ensure that trees are either protected or replanted,

3:16:26I think it would have a generational impact

3:16:30to the city of Guelph.

3:16:31And just to remind us, the change that I'm proposing

3:16:34would add an extra 10% of the trees

3:16:39under what would be protected by the bylaw.

3:16:44Thank you.

3:16:45Are there any questions or comments, Councillor Ciarán?

3:16:48Sure, comments.

3:16:50Thank you, Councillor Goller, for bringing this forward.

3:16:52I will be supporting wholeheartedly.

3:16:53I think I want to start by thanking Councillor and Chair Downer,

3:16:59who has been championing a private tree law

3:17:01for probably as long as I've known you.

3:17:03And that's, we're talking decades.

3:17:05So I give full credit for you.

3:17:13And I look at trees with that 30 centimeter diameter

3:17:18at breast height, and those are mature trees.

3:17:20And so I did a little looking at the various species,

3:17:24prior to this meeting, and as Councillor Goller pointed out,

3:17:27many reach their maturity at that diameter.

3:17:30And so one of the biggest challenges we have in this city

3:17:33is the loss of those mature trees.

3:17:35And I think by defining it at 50 centimeters,

3:17:38we're excluding an entire canopy percentage

3:17:43that is outlined in this report.

3:17:45So I think 30 centimeters is the way to go.

3:17:47And as an aside, that is the Toronto bylaw.

3:17:51The Toronto bylaws is 30 centimeters.

3:17:54And I won't go into all the benefits of that 30 to 50 range,

3:17:59but we have been going backwards on our tree canopy

3:18:03over the last 10 years.

3:18:05And that 30 to 50 centimeter diameter is a major group.

3:18:12We are planting trees in all of our development areas.

3:18:16And if we're going to lose them before we get to maturity,

3:18:20that's where our canopy is going to significantly suffer

3:18:23in the years ahead.

3:18:24So that 30 to 50 centimeter group,

3:18:27I think is absolutely should be included in this bylaw.

3:18:30So thank you, Councillor Goller.

3:18:35Are there any other questions or comments?

3:18:37So I'll have a comment to Councillor Billings.

3:18:41Through you, Madam Chair, I wanted to ask staff,

3:18:44by changing this diameter down to 30 centimeters,

3:18:48then would not the budget request be more given this change?

3:18:57Through the chair to council, so that would will change.

3:19:00Our budget ask was part of the 2026 budget process.

3:19:04And just a couple of things just to note here that

3:19:07while those costs may be viewed as significant

3:19:10or not through that process,

3:19:11they will increase cost to the community as a whole,

3:19:14as we know, and to remind us all from Tamiya's presentation,

3:19:18we did hear that in engagement.

3:19:20And in our council conversations,

3:19:22that is something that we should be very much be aware of.

3:19:25Also to make council aware, there are other things,

3:19:28the planning act, heritage policy that can protect trees

3:19:31in certain circumstances too.

3:19:33So again, we all want a healthy canopy here for sure.

3:19:36Just highlight those things for council to consider

3:19:38because these conversations do move us away a little bit

3:19:42from those screening options that staff shared with council.

3:19:46Okay, and I also want to ask, and it relates to both.

3:19:50It doesn't matter if it's the amendment or not,

3:19:53to go to the fee schedule with the security deposit

3:19:56per replacement tree required.

3:19:59So if it's the 50 centimeters or the 30 centimeters,

3:20:06what's the diameter?

3:20:07How many centimeters is a replacement tree?

3:20:14Through you chair, the replacement tree,

3:20:15the standard for replacement tree is a six centimeter,

3:20:19six centimeter caliper tree,

3:20:22but there are options to use smaller tree sizes

3:20:27if planting more trees.

3:20:28Again, there's some flexibility there

3:20:30when the application is under review.

3:20:33So then help me understand again,

3:20:35whether it's the 30 or the 50,

3:20:38if I take down a 30 or I take down a 50,

3:20:42under what you just said,

3:20:43because it's $350 per replacement tree required.

3:20:50So you go and you replace your tree and the diameter,

3:20:54whether it's six or eight centimeters.

3:20:59So is it $350 times the what, the six centimeters?

3:21:09Because there was a comment in the presentation,

3:21:11even under the 50 centimeters,

3:21:13oh, I'd only need two replacement trees.

3:21:15So that's $700.

3:21:18But if it's per replacement tree,

3:21:20then I'm lost and I need clarity.

3:21:25Through you chair, the replacement fee

3:21:29is for every six centimeter tree

3:21:32that's required as a replacement.

3:21:35So if you're required one replacement tree,

3:21:39then it's $350 security.

3:21:43If it's two, then it's 700 and so on.

3:21:46So let's do the 30, because that's the amendment.

3:21:49So I'm taking down a tree that's 30 centimeters.

3:21:55You would be required two replacement trees.

3:22:00And also 50 centimeters, I still only need two.

3:22:06It's for every 15 centimeters that you remove.

3:22:11Okay.

3:22:12It's a six centimeter replacement tree.

3:22:17Okay. So if it's a 50 centimeter tree,

3:22:20then I would require one, two, three, four.

3:22:24I would require four trees.

3:22:26And of course, if it's 30 centimeters, then two trees.

3:22:30Correct?

3:22:31Correct.

3:22:34So it's $700 for the 30 centimeter that's on the floor.

3:22:40Correct.

3:22:41Okay. Thank you for your help.

3:22:42I really appreciate that.

3:22:45Are there any other questions or comments?

3:22:48Councillor Rote.

3:22:51Thank you very much, Chair Downer.

3:22:54I do want to thank Councillor Goller for this motion.

3:22:59I think that he expressed very eloquently

3:23:01what many people are feeling about the future

3:23:03and about community.

3:23:04I do believe that there is actually an economic value

3:23:08to this as well.

3:23:08There's value for money,

3:23:10because this is a long-term project

3:23:13that benefits the community as a whole

3:23:15because Councillor Goller stated what he pointed out

3:23:20that his neighbors trees benefit him and vice versa.

3:23:23But let's look at the long-term investment.

3:23:25We've invested in a greener wealth

3:23:28through our 0% loans to encourage people

3:23:32to reduce their energy consumption.

3:23:35Trees help that as well.

3:23:36And over the long term, we need to recognize

3:23:39that we have even visionaries within the township

3:23:43out at the Ignatius College

3:23:44where they envision a 500-year forest.

3:23:47And the reason for that is this is a cooling for an earth

3:23:50that we have been quickly warming up.

3:23:55I recognize as well that there is going to be some

3:23:57disgruntlement and there's going to be some challenges

3:24:00with enforcement on this.

3:24:02And let's not kid ourselves.

3:24:05But we have to recognize that sometimes

3:24:10with initiatives that are positive,

3:24:12that there are going to be challenges.

3:24:14We see that with speed cameras, for example.

3:24:17Many people are disgruntled by that.

3:24:18But there is a role and responsibility to ensure

3:24:22that we are building for the future,

3:24:25much like we stated with our issuing of debentures.

3:24:28Let's do it now for seven generations forward.

3:24:33Thank you.

3:24:34Any other questions or comments?

3:24:35I just have one.

3:24:36I just, I want to thank staff for bringing this forward

3:24:40to like this, whether it's 30, 40 or 50 centimeters,

3:24:44there's a lot of good work in this.

3:24:46And us talking about different centimeters doesn't,

3:24:50it's just sort of the value we're placing on trees

3:24:54and it's not at all any objection to what has come forward.

3:24:58It's great work and I'm just so pleased

3:25:01to have this before us.

3:25:03I think we need to look at, you know,

3:25:05the 5.6 million in environmental services

3:25:08that trees currently add the 3 million in

3:25:11to the city of Guelph.

3:25:13And the more trees they have,

3:25:14the more environmental services that we derive

3:25:17and benefit from within our city.

3:25:18And, you know, diddle to what a lot of other people are saying,

3:25:23a lot of other counselors are saying too,

3:25:24and remembering that this is not a prohibitive bylaw,

3:25:28trees can still come down,

3:25:29but we're placing a significant value

3:25:32on the trees in our community.

3:25:34Recently, an infill lot in one of the older neighborhoods

3:25:38where they took two lots and demolished the houses,

3:25:41took down 25 trees in an old neighborhood.

3:25:45That's significant, a significant loss

3:25:47when we're trying to reach 40.

3:25:50And there's no protection,

3:25:52there's no requirement for them

3:25:53to have replaced those trees whatsoever.

3:25:56And that's happening in a lot of the older neighborhoods

3:25:59with mature trees.

3:26:01And those, some of those,

3:26:04when I talk about mature neighborhoods,

3:26:06I'm not talking just about old houses.

3:26:07There's, you know, you look out in the West End,

3:26:09there's now a lot of mature trees.

3:26:12The other thing that has been brought to our attention a lot,

3:26:17Councillor Caron, I get a lot of call about this,

3:26:19it's not just the trees that are coming down.

3:26:22The trees that are not getting protected

3:26:25are the ones too that are, have been deemed to be remain.

3:26:28Okay, the developer's gonna keep this tree

3:26:30or whatever they do, but there's no protection from them.

3:26:32The complaint I get is there's a bulldozer

3:26:35on the root of the trees.

3:26:36There's no protection for those trees.

3:26:38The roots are being exposed.

3:26:40There's no protection, and we call out Ms. Filer,

3:26:44and she asked them nicely to look after them,

3:26:47but there's no regulation on that.

3:26:49So when I've asked staff in conversation throughout this,

3:26:52the only way we can protect those other trees

3:26:55is by changing the centimeters to other, you know,

3:26:58to a lower protection, like 40 or 30.

3:27:03If we have no way of protecting them

3:27:05at those other semi-mature trees or mature trees,

3:27:10unless we do that.

3:27:12And so, you know, that's sort of where I sit.

3:27:15If we can't protect even the ones we're keeping

3:27:19because of this centimeter issue,

3:27:21and there's no regulation that we can bring in

3:27:24other than to deal with it this way,

3:27:26then I'm fully supportive of supporting the 30 centimeters.

3:27:34I will call the vote.

3:27:35Is there anyone opposed to the 30 centimeters?

3:27:40So Councillor Billings and Mayor Guthrie,

3:27:44Councillor Chew, that's three.

3:27:48And so that would be?

3:27:51That's passed.

3:27:52Okay, thank you.

3:27:54And we'll move on to the next one.

3:27:59Oh, that was an amendment.

3:28:00So now we need to bring it back to the whole motion again.

3:28:04Is there anyone opposed to the recommendation

3:28:06as amended?

3:28:11Mayor Guthrie and Councillor Billings.

3:28:14So that passes.

3:28:16And Chu, Councillor Chew, I didn't see his hand.

3:28:18I wanted to put his hand up.

3:28:20Okay, I don't.

3:28:21Councillor Chew, did you put your hand up

3:28:23in this last vote for the amended one?

3:28:27Okay, to be opposed.

3:28:29Okay, thank you.

3:28:32Okay, thank you.

3:28:33That moves forward.

3:28:34Thank you for that discussion.

3:28:37A good one, and that comes back at the end of the month

3:28:40to the council meeting.

3:28:43Now we're gonna talk about 10.2,

3:28:48the results of the feasibility study

3:28:50for potential future arts and culture uses of the Dural Hall.