Huntsville to plant tree protection in 2021 community planning permit bylaw – Muskoka Region News

An interim tree-cutting bylaw may not be in Huntsvilles immediate future, but environmental protections are on the way, according to the latest Town of Huntsville committee talks.

Town staff confirmed during an online general committee meeting held Aug. 26 that a proposed community planning permit bylaw remained the fastest and most effective tool to combat worrisome site alteration and tree removal.

Mayor Karin Terziano noted that, after further investigation, an interim tree cutting bylaw, for example, likely wouldnt come into effect any sooner.

Councillors had previously tasked staff with researching interim controls on site alteration and vegetation removal in advance of the proposed community planning permit bylaws anticipated May 2021 implementation.

The direction came after tree removal off Forbes Hill Drive and other properties caused highly visible barrens or environmental concerns, sparked public outcry and renewed calls for action.

A number of proposed housing developments also have some residents eager to implement environmental and human health protections in advance against unnecessary site alterations or tree removal.

A community planning permit bylaw would combine zoning, site plan and minor variance approval processes, and introduce site alteration and vegetation removal restrictions, for development applications.

But committee members asked how the bylaw would prevent alteration or vegetation removal if no development application was planned.

Committee didnt seem concerned with every potential alteration, like felling a tree for winter heating fuel for example, but rather unnecessarily extreme cases that created a risk of damage to the environment or neighbouring properties.

Staff clarified that the community planning permit bylaw could have the power to require a permit for site alteration or vegetation removal, regardless of whether the property owner planned to apply for a development permit.

We would be able to require a permit for that level of site alteration through that bylaw, said staff.

And that would likely act as a deterrent, too.

Staff added enforcement of the bylaw would likely be based on complaints, as are other municipal bylaws.

The town is in the process of hiring a consultant to lead the creation of a community planning permit bylaw, which will include public consultations.

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Huntsville to plant tree protection in 2021 community planning permit bylaw - Muskoka Region News