Care and Maintenance of Trees on Private & Public Property
Policy related to the care and maintenance of trees on private property falls under the Regional Municipality of Niagara’s Regional Woodland Conservation By-law No. 2020-79
Generally, the Regional by-law prohibits clearing woodland except under specified circumstances. Cutting or removing individual trees within woodlands is permitted, but a permit is required in most cases.
The Tree and Forest Conservation By-law applies to:
- Woodlands that are 1.0 hectares or more in size
- Woodlands with an area of less than 1.0 hectare upon delegation of such authority by a local municipality in Niagara
- Heritage and significant community tress identified and designated by the Council of a local municipality if authority is delegated to the Region
There are several exemptions to the by-law dealing with such things as removal of diseased or dead trees, issuance of a Building Permit, clearing for agricultural purposes, and construction of drainage works under the Drainage Act.
Chautauqua Community Tree Plan
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Tree Fund has been established to assist with the greening of our community. This fund, administered by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, provides an opportunity for anyone who wants to donate towards the planting of trees.
View the Niagara-on-the-Lake Tree Fund Brochure (PDF) for more information.