Tree Protection Advisory Committee

Update July 26, 2021

The Tree Protection Bylaw has been updated based on recommendations from TPAC. The recommendations made by TPAC were presented to Township Council on June 14, 2021 and adopted on July 26, 2021 following an opportunity for public input. For more information see the Reports to Council below:

For complete details on the consolidated version of the Tree Protection Bylaw visit tol.ca/treeprotection

A broad-based team of community members has been established to provide advice and guidance for the protection, preservation, and planting of trees in the Township. Specifically, this involves a review of the Tree Protection Bylaw 2019 No. 5478, and development of a Community Forest Management Strategy.

The Team of nine is made up of a minimum two-thirds residents or business owners in the Township of Langley, and others with expertise or experience in areas such as arboriculture, forestry, green infrastructure systems, climate action (adaptation and mitigation), and ecosystem planning.

The TPAC will assist and work with Township staff in a conversational, “round-table” format to offer feedback, review materials, and report back to the community and other organizations on progress and key discussions.

Council endorsed the Tree Protection Advisory Committee Terms of Reference on June 15, 2020, applications were open July 27 - August 21, 2020, and the Council-selected committee members were announced on September 22, 2020.

Information on the Community Forest Management Strategy can be found on the project webpage.

What is the purpose of the TPAC?

The purpose of the TPAC is to provide input to the Township on the review of Tree Protection Bylaw 2019 No. 5478, and the preparation of the Community Forest Management Strategy. The Committee will:

Review and provide input on a vision statement, principles, goals, targets and actions
Provide advice and guidance for the protection, preservation and planting of trees in the Township
Report back to the community and organizations on progress and key discussions
Assist and work with staff, in a conversational and “round-table” discussion context, and serve as a “sounding board” for project staff and consultants.

Review the TPAC Terms of Reference.

Who will be represented on the TPAC and how we will they be chosen?

The TPAC is comprised of eleven (11) members, including:

Nine (9) persons of which two-thirds will be residents or business owners in the Township of Langley, and others with expertise or experience in areas such as arboriculture, forestry, green infrastructure systems, climate action (adaptation and mitigation), and ecosystem planning
One (1) member of Council as a Council Co-Chair, and one (1) member of Council as an Alternate. The Council Co-Chair and Alternate are non-voting members.

Members were chosen through Council vote and announced in September 2020 as follows:

Christine Bishop, John Evanochko, Catherine Grey, Matt Muller, Al Neufeld, Hanae Sakurai, Trevor Smith, Amber Stewart, and John Turner. Council Co-Chair is Councillor Blair Whitmarsh, with Councillor Petrina Arnason as alternate. The Committee will select its Community Co-Chair when it holds its first meeting.

How frequently will the TPAC meet?

TPAC will assemble for a period of approximately 12 months and is scheduled to meet at key stages of review and development.

Additional questions or inquiries can be sent to cfms@tol.ca.