Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?
In the Village of Port Alice, British Columbia, trees & tree removal rules are set by Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw No. 645, 2018 and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-10-15. Fines: up to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) and the costs of prosecution. A permit is required. Boulevard trees: No person shall wilfully damage any tree, shrub, plant, bush or hedge on any Boulevard.
| boulevard trees | No person shall wilfully damage any tree, shrub, plant, bush or hedge on any Boulevard. | any tree, shrub, plant, bush or hedge on any Boulevard |
| fine range | up to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) and the costs of prosecution | s. 8.1 |
Boulevard bylaw; restricts planting trees/hedges likely to obstruct sight lines and bans damaging boulevard trees and shrubs.
| permit required | yes | s. 4.1; s. 8.1 |
| applies to private property | no | s. 2; s. 3, definition of 'Protected tree' |
| protected threshold | Any tree on Municipal property. | s. 3, definition of 'Protected tree' |
| replacement required | Council may require specific equivalent replacement trees to be planted for the purpose of restoring a damaged site. | s. 7.4 |
| fine range | Damaging a tree: $500.00; cutting a tree without a permit: $1,000.00; not more than $10,000.00 for each tree unlawfully cut or damaged as pursued through the Courts. | s. 7.1–7.3 |
Applies to trees on municipal property only: cutting or removing a tree needs a Tree Cutting Permit ($50/tree, valid 12 months, arborist report required unless dead); dead or hazardous trees exempt; fines $500 damage, $1,000 cutting without permit, up to $10,000 in court; replacement trees may be required.
Bylaw index listing Tree Protection Bylaw 561 and Boulevard Maintenance 645; no smoking bylaw listed.