If passed, a proposed bylaw in Dieppe would be the first in Atlantic Canada to govern trees on private property.

A presentation on the outline of a tree bylaw was made by the City of Dieppe staff to the City Council at the public meeting of the Standing Committee on Strategies and Public Policies held at City Hall on Thursday night.

The proposed by-law, if passed, would require a permit for any tree-cutting done on private land.

“Over the past two years, residents and council members clearly voiced their concerns about the importance of trees in our community. I am therefore very pleased that responses to the feedback received have been included in the proposed bylaw,” said Mayor Yvon Lapierre.

Outline of proposal:

•  Permit: A permit is mandatory for cutting trees over 10 cm in diameter.
• Tree study: City staff would analyze the state and health of the trees on the site to determine which can be kept, which are of interest and which can be cut. Trees of interest would have to be at least 30 cm in diameter at a height of 1.3 m (4.26 ft) from the ground.
• Mandatory tree replacement: If healthy trees had to be cut down for a project (building construction, adding a fence, etc.), a new tree would need to be replanted, or an amount per tree would have to be given to the municipality for use in a tree replanting program elsewhere in the City.

To learn more about the proposed bylaw, its objectives and next steps, or to share your concerns and comments, visit dieppe.ca/trees.