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MattersEnvironmentBylaw No. 2179First seen Feb 7, 2023Last discussed May 6, 2024

Interim tree protection extension

The amendment would extend the interim tree protection rules through December 31, 2024, while the city develops its Urban Forest Management Plan. It provides a bridge to longer-term tree protections as that plan is prepared.

Where it stands: Listed for adoption May 6, 2024; adoption is not recorded in the provided history.

Background

Earlier and later steps of the same initiative.

  1. Dec 19, 2022 – Dec 21, 2022

    Temporary tree-cutting restrictions

    A temporary ban restricted cutting trees with trunks over 20 centimetres in diameter, subject to specified exceptions, while the City developed a broader tree management policy. A companion bylaw enabled tickets, including a $1,000 fine for listed offences.

  2. Jun 19, 2023 – Jul 17, 2023

    Langford tree protection bylaw

    The bylaw sets rules for cutting trees in Langford while the city develops an Urban Forest Management Plan. The report says the earlier interim tree bylaw was due to expire Aug 4, 2023.

  3. Nov 19, 2024

    Urban Forest Management Plan

    A consultant presented the city’s Urban Forest Management Plan and background on a related bylaw. The plan concerns the city’s urban forest, which matters for how trees are managed across the community.

Timeline

Every time this matter appeared in council records, newest first.

  1. May 6, 2024· Council

    Tree protection amendment listed for adoption

    Final approval. The bylaw is now in force.

  2. April 15, 2024· Council

    Staff report recommends extending interim tree protections through 2024

    Passed 7–0

    Council approved the content and final wording. Adoption is the last step.

  3. April 15, 2024· Council

    First three readings for tree protection extension

    Passed 7–0

    Council approved the content and final wording. Adoption is the last step.

  4. February 7, 2023·Public comment
    • Mike Morton (Phelps Ave)Opposes · Tree protection bylaw
      Opposes the temporary tree bylaw, asks what studies informed it, and urges council to table adoption for a proper public hearing.
    • Joan Smurl (Lexton Road)Opposes · Tree protection bylaw
      Opposes the bylaw, citing steep penalties and inadequate fire-safety consideration, and asks for fire department guidance.
    • Dave Smurl (Luxton Road)Opposes · Tree protection bylaw
      Opposes restrictions on removing hazardous trees, citing storm damage and the need to protect property from fire and wind risks.
    • Mike Wignell (Selwyn Road)Opposes · Tree protection bylaw
      Opposes the bylaw as unfair to property owners and suggests limiting the number of trees that can be removed per property each year.
    • Renneth Lewey (Bellamy Road)Mixed · Committees and code of conduct
      Supports committee structures and asks council to add social-media conduct rules that keep councillors accessible outside partisan pages.
    • Lisa Foxall (Players Drive)Opposes · Tree bylaw and code of conduct
      Opposes the tree bylaw and asks for an open house, while requesting a social-media clause for councillors’ conduct.
    • Sienna Geary (Bear Mountain Parkway)Supports · Committees, code of conduct and tree bylaw
      Supports the proposed committees, code of conduct, respectful workplace policy, and temporary tree bylaw.
    • Sandy Seifer (Walford Road)Opposes · Tree bylaw and code of conduct
      Opposes the tree bylaw as punitive to homeowners and asks council to reconsider it; supports adding a social-media clause to the code of conduct.
    • Michael Sunshine (Langlista Drive)Supports · Committees, code of conduct and tree bylaw
      Supports the proposed committees, code of conduct, and tree bylaw, citing respectful governance and the value of Langford’s tree canopy.
    • Wendy Hobbs (Luxon Road)Concerned · Committee structure and tree bylaw
      Urges council to establish a dedicated protective services committee and raises concerns about unnecessary tree removal during development.
    • Corina Craig (Lakehurst Drive)Mixed · Committees, code of conduct and tree bylaw
      Supports the temporary tree bylaw, asks for conflict-free board of variance members, and questions the draft code’s limits on council involvement in HR decisions.
    • Colton Weatherston (Christina Crescent)Supports · Tree protection bylaws
      Supports the temporary tree bylaw and related bylaws, saying interim protection allows time for broad public input on a permanent policy.
    • Dave Saunders (Pears Road)Opposes · Tree protection bylaw
      Opposes the bylaw, citing conflicts with fire-safety guidance and impacts on residents who have maintained trees for decades.
    • A residentMixed · Tree bylaw, code of conduct and hookup fees
      Criticizes the tree-bylaw process, supports limits on elected officials’ HR role, and asks council to lower hookup fees.
    • A resident (Rodney Road)Supports · Tree protection bylaw
      Supports the temporary bylaw and asks for clearer details about arborist requirements, saying tree protection benefits the neighbourhood.