At their last meeting, Council approved a bylaw to temporarily prohibit clear-cutting in the midst of several moving pieces surrounding tree protection in the city.
Councillor Lisa Osanic brought the motion forward with the intent of pressing pause while Council awaits a Natural Heritage Study review, the new Official Plan, and potential updates to toughen the City’s current tree bylaw.
Enforcement of the bylaw will be through monetary penalties, with a base penalty of $5,000 for prohibited clear-cutting, plus $5,000 per 0.1 hectares of trees cleared in contravention of the bylaw.Â
Councillors supported the motion unanimously, stressing the importance of taking time to slow down while the future strategy of protecting the Kingston’s tree canopy takes shape.
The temporary prohibition on clear cutting will remain in effect until the City’s new Official Plan comes into effect, or until Council otherwise amends or repeals the bylaw.
