Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Ashfield–Colborne–Wawanosh, Ontario

In the Township of Ashfield–Colborne–Wawanosh, Ontario, permit required: False; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: Any species of woody perennial plant of any size that can reach a height of at least 4.5 metres at physiological maturity, located within a Shoreline; replacement required: Upon conviction, court may order, at the expense of the person convicted, restoration of the area in such manner and within such time as the court considers appropriate. Source: By-law 45-2016 Shoreline Tree Preservation By-law, verified 2026-08-28.

By-law 45-2016 Shoreline Tree Preservation By-law adopted bylaw

permit required	False	s. 5(1) "no person shall...destroy or injure any living tree"
applies to private property	True	s. 8(3) "owner of a property upon which it is alleged a contravention"
protected threshold	Any species of woody perennial plant of any size that can reach a height of at least 4.5 metres at physiological maturity, located within a Shoreline	s. 1(t) and s. 5(1)
replacement required	Upon conviction, court may order, at the expense of the person convicted, restoration of the area in such manner and within such time as the court considers appropriate	s. 6(5)
fine range	First conviction: not more than $10,000.00 or $1,000.00 per tree injured or destroyed, whichever is greater; subsequent conviction: not more than $25,000.00 or $2,500.00 per tree injured or destroyed, whichever is greater	s. 6(1)(a) and s. 6(1)(b)

scout note

Prohibits clear-cutting and regulates removal/protection of living trees at or near the Lake Huron shoreline within the Township.