Between April 30 and May 27 we are reaching out to the community to get your input on the options for updating Guelph’s private tree bylaw being considered.

We’re asking the community to weigh in on whether the size of tree(s) regulated and/or the size of lot(s) captured by the bylaw should change, and share their thoughts on a few other aspects of the bylaw.

How you can participate

Please take 10 minutes to complete the online survey open from April 30 to May 27 (survey coming soon)

You are also invited to join us at any of the following public events:

• In-person pop-up: Saturday, May 4, drop in between 10:30 am ‒ 1:30 p.m. at Victoria Road Recreation Centre, 151 Victoria Rd N
• Virtual information session: Wednesday, May 8, 6:30‒8 p.m. – Register for the Zoom link here
• In-person pop-up: Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m.‒1 p.m. at the Guelph Farmer’s Market, 2 Gordon Street
• In-person information session: Tuesday, May 14, 6:30‒8 p.m. at Guelph City Hall, Room C, 1 Carden Street

What’s Next?

A summary of the feedback from the second round of engagement will be shared with the community later in 2024.

The direction for updating Guelph’s Private Tree Protection Bylaw will be confirmed based on:

• the findings of the background review and assessments;
• the local context and issues;
• feedback gathered in Phase 1 and Phase 2; and
• input from City staff (e.g., legal, bylaw).

The updated private tree bylaw is to be presented to Council for approval in the first half of 2025.

This bylaw, along with other planning tools, is expected to help the City accommodate growth and intensification while also sustaining and enhancing Guelph’s tree canopy cover. These efforts are also expected to help us build local resilience to climate change.

Resources

Interested in learning more? Please have a look at the:

• Phase 2 - Issues and Options Report
• Phase 2 - Information session presentation slides
• Phase 2 - Private Tree Protection Bylaw Update Backgrounder