People who damage or remove public trees without permission in North Battleford could be required to pay the trees’ appraised value, along with removal and replacement costs and a fine.
Council reviewed a proposed urban forestry protection bylaw Sept. 28 and asked staff to clarify its penalties and other provisions before it returns for first reading Oct. 13.
The discussion came two days after vandals damaged 26 young trees on Mayhew Avenue in Yorkton, snapping some in half. Yorkton said only five could be saved.
North Battleford’s proposal stems from its urban forest management plan. Parks and recreation director Cheryl DeNeire told council North Battleford encounters about 10 cases a year of public trees being pruned or removed without permission, sometimes by contractors. She said she did not consider it a major problem, but the city has no dedicated urban forestry bylaw.
Mayor Kelli Hawtin said the proposal would fill that gap.
“Whether you enjoy the shade from a tree keeping your house cool or we’re talking about environmental protection, our trees are very, very important to the community,” she said.
The draft sets minimum fines of $100 for a first offence, $250 for a second and $500 for subsequent offences involving unauthorized damage or removal. Hawtin asked staff to clarify whether someone who removes a tree without a permit would have to pay its appraised value in addition to a fine.
“The intent is not to be overly punitive,” DeNeire said.
Under the draft, residents and contractors would generally need a permit to plant, prune or remove a public tree, or to carry out construction or heavy equipment work near one. The rules would apply to trees with at least half their trunks on city property, including branches and roots that extend into neighbouring yards.
Coun. Kent Lindgren asked whether the city would follow the same standards during its own infrastructure projects. Administration said contractors on those projects would be responsible for unauthorized tree damage or removal. Approved removals would be covered by the project’s replacement budget, though staff said the project might not pay the tree’s full assessed value.
Residents who are unsure whether a tree belongs to the city can contact the parks department or submit a service request for an assessment, DeNeire said.
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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com
