Back to SearchDIEPPE, NB — At its regular meeting on June 12, Dieppe City Council adopted its new tree bylaw. The ambitious document, which is geared to ensuring a sustainable future for Dieppe and its residents and encouraging the protection of trees of interest and healthy woodlands, sends a clear message that the municipality intends to protect its natural heritage.
The City has had a tree code since 2006, but it only covers trees on municipally owned land. There were no regulations governing trees on private property, with the exception of some new construction projects that had landscaping requirements.
The new bylaw seeks to balance the protection of trees with the need to pursue development aimed at addressing the lack of housing in the City. Trees benefit everyone and play a much more important role than simply esthetics.
Any tree-cutting on private land must now be authorized by the municipality.
“This bylaw is one more step towards fulfilling Dieppe’s mission of being a welcoming, dynamic and eco-responsible city,” said Mayor Yvon Lapierre. “I believe that we can work together to ensure a sustainable future for our community and maintain the quality of life that Dieppe residents enjoy. Every tree in Dieppe is important, no matter where it’s located, and we’re embarking on a major shift towards a change in behaviour aimed at protecting our natural resources.”
Key points
- Permit: Landowners are required to obtain a permit to cut trees larger than 10 cm in diameter; this is to ensure that tree cutting is done responsibly.
- Tree study and recommendations: City staff will analyze the condition and health of the trees on a given site to determine which can be kept, which are of interest, and which can be cut. Trees of interest are trees that are at least 30 cm in diameter at a height of 1.3 m (4.26 ft) from the ground.
- Replacement of trees: Depending on the type of project and which trees need to be cut down, the planting of new trees may be required. Property owners who do not plant new trees or who cut trees down without permission will be ticketed. If replanting on a property is not possible, a monetary amount per tree will be paid to the municipality for replanting initiatives elsewhere in the city.
- Minimum planting requirement: Whether or not trees are cut, a minimum number of new trees will need to be planted when new streets or residential and commercial construction projects are built.
- Protective measures: Measures must be implemented to protect trees that remain on a property during construction.
This bylaw is a first in the region since no other community in Atlantic Canada appears to have a bylaw governing trees on private property.
A review of the new bylaw is slated for 2024 to determine whether any changes are necessary following its implementation.
To learn more about the new tree bylaw, visit dieppe.ca/trees