Tree Preservation Bylaw

Why is this bylaw being developed?

Town staff have been directed by Council to “Establish a Tree Preservation Bylaw and update the existing Woodland Conservation Bylaw, to protect the Town’s urban tree canopy and woodlands”. This initiative is part of Caledon’s 2023-2035 Strategic Plan, which was developed with input from the community, Council, and staff. The plan reflects our commitment to protect and enhance the natural environment to create a thriving system of connected biodiverse features and areas.

Caledon recognizes the many benefits trees provide, including improving community health and supporting the environment. With increasing pressures from urban development, climate change, and evolving policies, updating the current bylaw has become a priority.

The new bylaw will address the growing importance of protecting Caledon’s urban forest, which offers clean air, wildlife habitats, and climate resilience. Since a large portion of the Town's tree canopy is on private land, it’s crucial to implement regulations to protect these trees and maintain their benefits for the community.

Do we have an existing tree bylaw?

Currently, the Town only protects private trees within designated woodlands through the Woodland Conservation Bylaw 2000-100. The purpose of this bylaw is to prohibit the cutting of trees in woodlands 0.5 hectares or greater without having a permit or having a Forest Management Plan approved by the Town. The current bylaw does not require Town permission to cut woodland trees for personal use (20 trees per year) and/or to remove hazardous trees.