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THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF SOUTH DUNDAS
BY-LAW NO. 2019-48
A BY-LAW to adopt Policy No. 10-2 - Tree Canopy Policy.
WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, provides that the
powers of the Council shall be exercised by By-law;
AND WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, states that a
Municipality and a local board shall adopt policies with respect to certain
matters;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Municipality of South Dundas wish
to adopt a Tree Canopy Policy.
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality
of South Dundas hereby enacts as follows:
1.
THAT Policy No. 10-2 be adopted in accordance with Schedule "A"
as attached to this By-law.
2.
AND THAT this By-law shall come into effect on the date of
passing.
READ and passed in open Council, signed and sealed this 21st day of
May 2019.
Original Signed by Mayor, Steven Byvelds
______________________
MAYOR
Original Signed by Clerk, Brenda Brunt
______________________
CLERK
Schedule "A" of
By-law No. 2019-48
Introduction
The Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, requires Municipalities to adopt and
maintain policies with respect to the manner in which a Municipality will
protect and enhance the tree canopy and natural vegetation within the
Municipality. In addition to fulfilling its legislative requirements, South Dundas
recognizes the benefits that a healthy tree canopy and natural vegetation can
have including:
-
Reducing air pollution;
-
Improving water quality;
-
Providing habitat for flora and fauna;
-
Mitigation against of erosion and subsidence; and,
-
Providing public amenity and increasing property values
To that end, South Dundas has developed the following statement of policy
regarding the protection and enhancement of South Dundas's tree canopy
and natural vegetation.
Applicability
This policy applies to all lands in South Dundas.
It is the intent that this policy statement shall constitute the tree canopy
and natural vegetation policy for South Dundas. Notwithstanding this, it is
recognized that local Councils are required to develop an independent
policy for their own Municipality. Nothing in this Policy is intended to
conflict with the standards or policies of a local Municipality and this
Policy shall not take priority over the policy of the individual Municipality.
This Policy does not take priority over any By-laws, plans, resolutions, or
Agreements passed by Council pursuant to the Municipal Act or Planning
Act.
Nothing in this Policy is intended to restrict normal farm practices as
defined by the Normal Farm Practices Protection Act, including
agroforestry.
Goals
The goals of this Policy are to:
1. Reduce the unwarranted loss of tree coverage in South Dundas and seek
opportunities to increase tree coverage, where possible;
2. Improve data collection on tree canopy and natural vegetation, and
implement regular monitoring of tree coverage;
3. Encourage the conservation of trees and vegetation through Planning Act
approvals; and,
4. Encourage the implementation of best practices as it relates to
managing, conserving, and enhancing the tree canopy and natural
POLICY MANUAL
Policy No. 10-2
Municipality of South Dundas
Effective Date: May 7, 2019
Subject: Tree Canopy & Natural
Vegetation Policy
Department: Recreation
vegetation in South Dundas.
Policies
Based on the above-noted goals, the following policies shall apply to tree
canopy and natural vegetation within South Dundas.
Goal 1: Reduce the unwarranted loss of tree coverage in South Dundas and
seek opportunities to increase tree coverage, where possible.
a. Support, and participate where possible, in tree planting
efforts by conservation authorities and other organizations or
private enterprise.
b. Where appropriate, and within financial capability, continue to
acquire, through land dedications, conservation easements,
and donations, woodlands, wetlands, and other natural
heritage areas and features, and employ best practices in their
maintenance.
c. Maintain departmental, individual and associated roles and
responsibilities for the management of Municipally owned areas
of woodlands and other natural areas.
Goal 2: Improve data collection on tree canopy and natural vegetation and
implement regular monitoring of tree coverage.
d. Monitor, and report on, tree coverage throughout South Dundas
on a regular basis.
e. Develop and implement a region-wide natural heritage study,
including mapping and land use policies.
f. Partner with local conservation authorities, local municipalities,
and the Province to share and improve data on tree canopy and
natural vegetation.
Goal 3: Encourage the conservation of trees and vegetation through
Planning Act approvals.
g. Ensure that the Official Plan has current and appropriate policies
addressing tree canopy and natural vegetation.
h. Encourage the retention of mature trees and vegetation, and
the planting of native tree species, when reviewing applications
under the Planning Act.
i. Explore opportunities to develop design guidelines, Municipal
standards, and other guidance documents that address the
maintenance and enhancement of tree canopy and natural
vegetation.
Goal 4: Encourage the implementation of best practices as it relates to
managing, conserving, and enhancing the tree canopy and natural
vegetation in South Dundas.
j. Encourage best practices in the maintenance of tree canopy
and natural vegetation through resource and information-
sharing
on
the
Municipality's
website,
pamphlets,
newsletters, and other publications.
k. Participate in professional associations and / or develop
professional relationships with other Municipalities to share
forest management practices.
l. Explore the development and implementation of Municipal Staff
training to enhance awareness of tree health and of proper tree
protection practices during construction and maintenance
activities.