Protection of Trees

Whereas regional districts currently have no regulatory authority to prevent tree cutting except as it relates to areas affected by flooding or other hazards; And whereas municipalities have broad powers to regulate tree protection under Section 83c and Division 7 of the Community Charter, including bylaws for protection, removal, replanting, and replacement of trees; And whereas some regional districts, particularly regional districts experiencing development pressure, share similar concerns as municipalities with respect to protecting trees: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to provide regional districts authority over tree cuttingtree protection that is equal to the regulatory power municipalities have for tree protection.