“WHEREAS the City of Owen Sound has been recognized in 2022 and 2023 by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as a Tree City of the World, in which the City acknowledged its “dedication to growing and maintaining the best urban forestry practices”; and
WHEREAS a healthy tree canopy provides numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits for our City and therefore aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan, Official Plan Policies and supports the City’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan; and
WHEREAS tree protection is a shared responsibility among the municipality, residents and other stakeholders; and
WHEREAS trees on belonging to the Corporation of the City of Owen Sound are protected under By-law No. 1994-020 (Owen Sound Shade Tree By-law); and
WHEREAS trees on lands to be developed are subject to the City’s Residential Tree Preservation Policy, established in 2004 and woodlots on properties over one hectare are subject to the County of Grey By-law 4341-06 (Forest Management By-law to Promote Sustainable Forest Management Practices and to Prohibit or Regulate the Destruction or Injuring of Trees in Woodlands in the
County of Grey);
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Owen Sound consider the creation of a plan, policy or by-law as part of their 2025 work plan regarding the stewardship of mature and native trees on private land to ensure they are considered in a manner that reflects current best practices, research, data, science and the need for an enhanced tree canopy that promotes livable communities and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
AND THAT staff come back to the Community Services Committee with a report to investigate these options to recommend for Council Consideration.”