Kincardine conducting survey about removal of trees on private property

The Municipality of Kincardine takes the removal of trees very seriously and recognizes that the community also has concerns about tree removal.

To develop a balanced approach to the removal of trees, the municipality is seeking community input to inform the development of a tree policy and bylaw. This survey can be completed on-line or on paper by June 22.

For trees on municipal property, the Municipal Tree Policy (adopted July 12, 2021) was created to effectively preserve, enhance, conserve, and manage the urban and rural tree canopy, providing a better quality of life for municipal residents.

The municipality supports proper stewardship techniques and believes they are essential to protect and enhance the life expectancy of municipal trees – the Tree Policy directs staff to plant two new trees for every tree that needs to be removed on municipal property.

However, the municipality does not have a bylaw for the removal of trees on private property; therefore, staff is conducting a public survey to strengthen tree protection and to bring a report and policy back for council consideration.

To complete the survey, visit (www.kincardine.ca/treesurvey) or request a paper copy of the survey by sending an E-mail message to info@kincardine.ca.

“There is a delicate balance between conservation and development that must always be considered,” says Adam Weishar, director of infrastructure and development. “We encourage the community to complete the survey to help the municipality develop a policy and bylaw for the removal of trees on private property, moving forward.”

For more information, visit www.kincardine.ca/en/municipal-office/environment.aspx.