Tree Protection

The City of Pickering (the City) has updated its Tree Protection By-law to provide greater protection to trees in the community with the revised Modernized Tree Protection By-law No. 8073/24(External link).

The Importance of Trees

The City's tree canopy and urban forest play an important role in adapting to climate change. The City of Pickering’s trees provide shade and cool the community, reduce urban heat island effect, decrease the volume of storm water run-off, improve air quality, sequester carbon, and contribute to a visually pleasing place to live, work, play, and learn. A vigorous tree canopy was also identified as a defining element of neighbourhood character through the Infill Study(External link).

Project Background

In response to Council Resolution #333/23 on Report PLN 37-23(External link), a recommendation report regarding the new modernized Tree Protection By-law No. 8073/24 (Report PLN 02-24(External link)), was considered by the Executive Committee of Council in Winter 2024.

As per Resolution #388/24, Council approved the revised modernized Tree Protection By-law No. 8073/24 as set out in Appendix I to Report PLN 02-24 on January 22, 2024.

What does the revised Modernized Tree Protection By-law cover?

This revised, modernized Tree Protection By-law regulates environmentally sensitive areas, including significant woodlands, based on updated environmental features mapping, and includes updated terminology, definitions, and fines, and is accompanied by updated permit fees and charges.

Next steps and how you can participate:

A Public Information Campaign will be conducted during 2024, providing information on the City’s new modernized Tree Protection By-law.

Please stay tuned for upcoming engagement opportunities.