Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services, addressed the Committee to provide opening remarks and noted that this by-law amendment is in relation to changes to the fees in By-Law 2023-164, Tree Preservation By-law, which was approved by Markham City Council in the fall of 2023.
Chris Bullen, Manager, By-Law Services, advised that as a result of the enactment of By-Law 2023-164, Tree Preservation By-Law, staff are recommending that the fees for services under this by-law be revised and consolidated under By-Law 2012-137, Licensing, Permit and Service Fees, to streamline information and update the services provided by tree preservation, forestry and urban design staff. Mr. Bullen noted that the effective implementation of these by-laws and fees will ensure stronger tree preservation and continued environmental sustainability. Mr. Bullen introduced Mark Goldsworthy, Tree Preservation Technician who provided a brief presentation that highlighted the revised fees, tree preservation barrier requirements, and the rational for the changes.
Councillor Reid McAlpine declared a conflict on this matter and abstained from the discussion and the vote.
The Committee made the following inquiries in relation to the presentation:
- Concerns regarding fees to appeal a permit denial and that it may deter residents from initiating an appeal;
- An inquiry regarding when an appeal fee may apply;
- A suggestion to delay the timing of when tree preservation barriers may be installed;
- Concerns regarding the orange colour of the mesh tree preservation barrier fences and that they only serve as a visual deterrent to avoid the construction area;
- That there be consideration to paint wooden fences around the tree preservation area in orange or another colour, and to eliminate the requirement for the orange mesh fences that do not maintain their structural integrity for an extended period of time;
- The reasons for the increase in tree permit denial appeals; and,
- An inquiry regarding whether the proposed fees will cover the cost of the services provided.
Staff advised that alternative tree preservation solutions will be considered and increased flexibility regarding the timing of their installation will be made. Staff indicated that while tree permit denial appeals may have increased, there are more residential projects being done and that staff are working with residents to achieve their project goals while preserving the City's tree canopy. It was noted that the proposed fees are comparable to those in other municipalities and that an analysis may be provided in the near future.