Strengthened Tree Protection Bylaw Approved by Council

Township of Langley Council adopted changes to the Tree Protection Bylaw 2019, No. 5478 on July 26, 2021. The changes were recommended by the Tree Protection Advisory Committee (TPAC), and strive to balance needs for streamlined bylaw implementation, while maximizing tree protection and preservation.

Some of the key changes include revised definitions that increase clarity and will improve implementation of the Bylaw. Restrictions and requirements for arborist reports have been enhanced, while smaller size requirements are now in place to define a protected tree. The changes also include increased replacement tree requirements, and a $500 security deposit is now required for each replacement tree. A previous provision allowing the removal of one tree every 24 months has been deleted.

Tree and canopy protection is one of the strategic priorities of Council and is an integral part of the Climate Action Strategy. TPAC was appointed by Council in 2020 to conduct a review of the Tree Protection Bylaw and help prepare a Community Forest Management Strategy. It is Co-chaired by Catherine Grey and Councillor Blair Whitmarsh (with Councillor Petrina Arnason as alternate). Other TPAC members include Christine Bishop, John Evanochko, Matt Muller, Hanae Sakurai, Trevor Smith, Amber Stewart, John Turner and Al Neufeld.

More details on the bylaw changes, including a link to the updated bylaw text are available at tol.ca/treeprotection. Council would like to thank the public for providing feedback on these changes in the lead up to their decision.