Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Georgian Bay, Ontario

In the Township of Georgian Bay, Ontario, permit required: False; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: Any species of woody perennial plant ≥50mm DBH and capable of reaching at least 5 metres height at maturity; replacement required: Director may order rehabilitation of land or planting/replanting of Trees in such manner and within such period as Director considers appropriate; court may also impose same on conviction. Source: Tree Cutting By-law No. 2014-73, verified 2026-08-28.

Tree Cutting By-law No. 2014-73 adopted bylaw

permit required	False	There are no licenses, permits or fees required with this By-law.
applies to private property	True	s. 3.1 — "any Tree on any private lands within the area defined in this By-law"
protected threshold	Any species of woody perennial plant ≥50mm DBH and capable of reaching at least 5 metres height at maturity	s. 1(t) — "larger than 50mm diameter outside the bark of the tree at the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)"
replacement required	Director may order rehabilitation of land or planting/replanting of Trees in such manner and within such period as Director considers appropriate; court may also impose same on conviction	s. 7.2 — "Director may make a Repair Order requiring the Person to rehabilitate the land or to plant or replant Trees"
fine range	Individual: 1st conviction $500–$10,000; subsequent $1,000–$25,000. Corporation: 1st conviction $2,500–$50,000; subsequent $4,000–$100,000	s. 8.1, s. 8.2

scout note

Regulates protection, preservation and removal of trees over 50mm DBH, but only in shoreline areas and lands zoned Environmental Protection/Open Space. Prohibits clear-cutting; permits view trimming and removal of dead/hazardous trees; no permit or fee required.