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Tree Bylaw Survey - Phase 2

The City is considering options for updating Guelph’s Private Tree Protection Bylaw and we want your input!

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. It is open from April 30 to May 27, 2024. 


About this survey and the update

Through this survey, we want to hear what you think about the options for updating Guelph's private tree bylaw.  We're specifically 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.

The information gathered during various community engagement activities this spring, along with the findings of research and analysis, consideration of the local context and issues, and input from City staff will be used to help confirm the direction for updating the bylaw.


More information 

Reading the Phase 2 - Private Tree Protection Bylaw Update Backgrounder is suggested (but not required) before completing the survey.

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Background

The City is committed to achieving 40 per cent tree canopy cover by 2070. Guelph’s Strategic Plan 2024-2027 recognizes that Guelph’s Private Tree Protection Bylaw is one of the planning tools that can help improve “urban forest sustainability and enhance our climate change resilience by increasing Guelph’s tree canopy coverage, providing more shade, cleaner air and improved water filtration.”


This process is looking at updating the private tree bylaw by maintaining or possibly expanding the level of regulation to help the City meet its tree canopy cover and climate action targets.


The current private tree bylaw regulates the removal and damage of trees of at least 10 centimetres (cm) diameter on privately-owned lots greater than 0.2 hectares (i.e., 0.5 acres or 21,500 square feet). This means that if you plan to remove or damage one or more trees of at least 10 cm diameter on your property and you own a lot that is at least 0.2 hectares, you require a permit from the City (unless your tree(s) qualify for a permit exemption).


Four options for updating the scope of Guelph’s private tree bylaw have been identified based on the local context, research findings and feedback received to date.


Option 1: Same as current bylaw

Regulation of trees at least 10 cm diameter on private lots greater than 0.2 hectares


Option 2: Somewhat expanded

Regulation of trees at least 10 cm diameter on private lots greater than 0.1 hectares


Option 3: Significantly expanded

Regulation of trees at least 20 cm diameter on all private lots


Option 4: Current bylaw plus mature trees everywhere  

Regulation of trees at least 10 cm diameter on private lots greater than 0.2 hectares plus regulation of trees at least 50 cm diameter on all private lots


Options 1 and 2 would apply to select (i.e., 5 and 10 per cent) private property owners, whereas Options 3 and 4 would apply to all private property owners.

One or a combination of these options will form the basis for Guelph’s updated private tree bylaw.


The following questions are intended to get a sense of your priorities related to different aspects of these options.