Private Tree Protection Bylaw
Council approved an updated Private Tree Protection Bylaw for the City of Guelph
This updated bylaw has some meaningful implications for property owners in Guelph and we’re doing our best to guide them through the changes.
The main changes to the bylaw are:
- Expanding the regulation to include trees 30 centimetres (cm) in diameter on private properties of any size, as well as trees 10 cm in diameter on private properties larger than 0.2 hectares, and
- Adjusting the permit fee structure.
We’ve updated our website with new information about the updated Private Tree Protection Bylaw. We’re also going to be preparing and sharing educational content about the bylaw with the community over the coming months.
Guelph values its tree canopy cover and the numerous contributions trees make to the health of our community. A private tree protection bylaw is one of the tools the City uses to protect and enhance tree canopy cover, and to help build a sustainable city.
Increasing pressures on Guelph’s tree canopy cover related to urban intensification and climate change, as well as updates to related policies and regulations, have made reviewing and updating the current Private Tree Protection Bylaw a priority.
In late 2022, the City retained a multi-disciplinary consulting team to lead the research and engagement for Guelph’s Private Tree Protection Bylaw update. In the spring of 2023 we reached out to the community to hear about your thoughts about and experiences with the private tree bylaw. Now we’re seeking your input to options identified for updating the bylaw!
Please note: This project began in an older version of our website. Some of the tools and information may appear different than originally designed.
Who's Listening
Tracy Suerich, Community Engagement Advisor, City of Guelph
Private Tree Bylaw information session - April 11
Phases
Under Review
We're reviewing what we heard in our spring 2024 engagement period and will be back shortly with a report.
Engagement in Phase 2 ended May 27
Thank you to everyone who shared your thoughts on this project along the way. We've reviewed feedback from online, in person and focus group conversations, and we've summarized what we heard during Phase 2 in this report.
Interested in learning more about the options being considered for updating Guelph's private tree bylaw?
- Check out the Phase 2 information session slide deck
- Read the background section of this page for the highlights in Phase 1
- See the Phase 2 backgrounder or
- See the Phase 2 Issues and Options report to dig even deeper
- Call or email us
What's Next | Proposed Private Tree Protection Bylaw goes to Council in April 2025
Following community engagement activities that have been underway since 2022, the City of Guelph has prepared a proposed update to the Private Tree Protection Bylaw. The updated bylaw goes to Council in April, and the community can delegate if they wish.
Here’s the timeline:
- April 1 – City staff present the proposed bylaw at the Committee of the Whole meeting
- April 23 – The bylaw returns to the City Council meeting and Council votes on whether to adopt the updated bylaw
The staff report and proposed bylaw are in the Committee of the Whole agenda on our website.
Delegating to Council
Information on submitting correspondence or delegating at a Committee of the Whole or City Council meeting is available on our website. You can register or provide written comments and/or presentation materials by 10 a.m. on the last business day of the week before the meeting.
For more information, please contact:
Timea Filer, Urban Forestry Field Technologist
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 3352
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