City-Owned Tree Conservation and Management

We are updating our public tree bylaw to better protect city-owned trees. This is one way we are working towards the targets set out in the Urban Forest Strategy. In 2019, the average tree canopy in Kitchener was 27%. Our goal is a tree canopy target of 30% in each ward by 2050.

The changes we are considering include:

• Update the existing fines that recover the costs of tree damage or removal
• Set new fines for those who do not follow the by-law
• Set new administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for injury or removal of trees
• Enable court orders to be issued to stop or correct a violation of the bylaw
• Develop a new permit system to protect city trees and soil habitat zones during construction.
• Develop a more formalized tree replacement and compensation process overall

For more information, read the Project Background

Get involved

Your feedback is important to help us understand the benefits and drawbacks of the options for updating the bylaw. Answer our survey or email us your comments at EngageOnTrees@kitchener.ca

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