April 27, 2004 Tree Minutes
COUNTY COUNCIL
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
The Elgin County Council met this evening at 7:02 p.m., in a special public meeting to
discuss the draft amended Tree By-Law, with all members present except Councillor Acre.
Warden Rock in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF-
none.
The Warden noted that a report was being circulated and requested the Chief
Administrative Officer to read and explain the report to the audience which indicates that
the new legislation does not require a new Tree By-Law to be passed. The County could
amend its present by-law to reflect changes in the legislation.
Warden Rock indicated it was unfortunate there had been much time and effort expended
on creating a new by-law but it has served to gain good information and ideas coming
forward from the public.
Councillors asked the audience to consider sitting on a working group and discussed
timelines for reporting to County Council.
DELEGATIONS
Gary Austin - A member of the Woodlot Owner's Association and landowner indicated the
old by-law needs to be reviewed and thanked Council for considering his comments.
Brent Clutterbuck - A member of the Woodlot Owner's Association noted he appreciated
staff's work to find the section in the Municipal Act for continuing the old Tree By-Law and
indicated the Association does not agree with a permit or fees as fees are for service and
this is not a service.
Nick Vandenberghe - A landowner, questioned why the legislation was not researched
further before upsetting everyone. Staff indicated we understood from Ministry staff that a
new by-law was required.
Brian Kington - Representing Southwestern Ontario Loggers Association and Townsend
Lumber Inc., indicated a strong by-law which helps sustainability and the health of the
forest and, in turn, the forestry industry is welcomed.
Fred Pilkey Jr. - A logger, noted that pulling full-sized trees out of a woodlot kills off small
trees and undergrowth along the way and protection against this should be added to by-
law. As well, skidder operators back their equipment in to pick up 70 ft trees and drive out
through the woods knocking bark off and damaging other trees, should also be addressed.
Sally Martyn - A landowner, requested that the Christian Farmers Federation be added to
the working group. Mrs. Martyn read from prepared text in favour of changes in the new
by-law. Mrs. Martyn would like to see some of items in the new by-law put into the old by-
law to protect forestry cover.
Don Watterworth - A member of the Federation of Agriculture indicated he would be
pleased to form part of the working group. Mr. Watterworth read from prepared text and
indicated the Federation likes the old by-law, does not like the five day delay before cutting
or the posting of signs, are concerned that enforcement may be used by conservation
authorities as a revenue source, would like the requirement for leaving trees of 22 in.
diameter changed to 16 in. diameter to alleviate dry rot and shading of younger trees,
among other items.
John Ferguson - A landowner, indicated there should be a trade off and landowners
should be paid for the air you breathe because of the environmental significance of trees.
County Council Special Meeting
2
April 27, 2004
Councillors requested inclusion of the Christian Federation of Farmers of Ontario and a
Professional Forester in the working group, as well as a provision for the committee to
report to Council on an ongoing basis on their progress.
Warden Rock requested that attendees who represent organizations included in the
working group to please send forward a name to the Chief Administrative Officer for
inclusion on the committee.
Councillors thanked the attendees for forwarding their suggestions and ideas and for
coming forward to the meetings that were held in various municipalities.
Moved by Councillor Wilson
Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre
THAT a working group consisting of the Warden and his designate, the County Chief
Administrative Officer, the County Tree Commissioner and one member representing the
Woodlot Association, one member representing the Ontario Loggers' Association, one
member representing the Elgin Federation of Agriculture, one member representing the
Christian Farmers' Federation and one Professional Registered Forester be appointed to
said working group; and,
THAT the mandate of the working group be to:
1) review the various written submissions on the proposed tree by-law amendments and
make recommendations to County Council to improve the goals and intent of the
current by-law;
2) suggest ways to make the by-law consistent with neighbouring municipalities, to the
extent possible
3) clarify definitions and schedules
4) make other "editorial" recommendations as deemed appropriate; and,
THAT interim reports be forwarded to Council from time to time; and, further
THAT the working group report to County Council by no later than February 2005 with its
recommendations on making the current county tree by-law a more user-friendly
document.
- Carried.
Warden Rock thanked the delegations and persons in the audience for attending and for
the excellent ideas put forward.
Moved by Councillor Baldwin
Seconded by Councillor Faulds
THAT we do now adjourn at 7:52 p.m.
- Carried.
Mark G. McDonald,
Chief Administrative Officer.
David Rock,
Warden.