Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack Proposes New Rules to Protect Mature Trees in Infill Developments
Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack is moving forward with a significant initiative aimed at preserving mature trees during infill development projects across the city. The proposed plan would require developers to demonstrate that a tree is genuinely hindering construction before it can be removed, marking a shift toward more thoughtful urban growth.
Addressing the Clear-Cutting Concern
"Right now it feels a little too easy to buy a lot and clear cut it," Knack remarked, highlighting a common practice in Edmonton's development landscape. Unlike many other major Canadian cities, Edmonton currently lacks a comprehensive mature tree protection bylaw, a gap Knack has been advocating to fill for years. "I think it's time for us to stop finding reasons to say 'no' and instead be thoughtful about the creation of this," he emphasized.
The recommended changes from city administration do not include the establishment of a full tree protection bylaw, but Knack is pushing for stronger measures. Under the proposed rule, if a tree is preventing the construction of a building, a developer would be allowed to take it down. However, for trees at the edge of a lot, an arborist's report would be required to prove the tree is detrimental to the development before removal is permitted.
Balancing Development and Preservation
Knack clarified that this initiative would not impact homeowners who need to remove trees from their own properties. "The preservation of mature trees is not done by preventing infill from happening," he explained. "It just says when that tree is outside of the building footprint, there needs to be a clear rationale for why that has to come down."
He described the requirement as not overly burdensome, stating, "I don't feel that's very onerous. If you've got a tree that's not anywhere close to the building pocket, you shouldn't be able to just randomly clear-cut to do infill. It gives us one lever I feel we need to introduce."
How Edmonton Compares to Other Cities
Limiting tree protection to new developments would differentiate Edmonton from other large urban centers, many of which impose stricter regulations on property owners regarding old-growth trees. For instance:
- Vancouver: Land owners need a permit to remove trees with a diameter of 20 cm or more, with permits required to be displayed during removal.
- Ottawa: Property owners must obtain a permit to remove trees 10 cm or wider.
- Montreal: Residents need a permit regardless of tree size and must replace the tree.
- Toronto: Permits are required for trees 30 cm thick.
- Calgary: Currently has no rules regarding trees on private property.
Knack's proposal aims to position Edmonton alongside these cities in prioritizing urban forestry, while tailoring the approach to local needs.
Related Urban Policy Considerations
In addition to tree protection, Knack addressed other urban development issues, such as parking requirements. He noted that he isn't looking to change rules regarding the lack of requirement to include parking stalls in new developments, as past requirements didn't prevent streets from filling up with parked cars. Instead, he suggested that issues like vehicle congestion and limited services such as snow removal are best resolved through policies like the curbside management strategy.
This holistic approach reflects a broader effort to enhance Edmonton's livability and environmental sustainability as the city continues to grow and evolve.
