Project Overview
The Town of Saugeen Shores has prepared an Urban Tree Canopy Plan (UTCP) with the support of Williams & Associates Forestry Consulting. The UTCP assesses the Town’s current practices and overall tree health to better conserve and manage trees in the Urban Settlement Area Boundary. Specific objectives identified as part of this project, include:
- Review of relevant Town policies pertaining to trees;
- Assessment of the Town’s current public trees and utilizing scientific tools to estimate the proportion of tree canopy and available plantable space;
- Development of a Tree Cutting By-Law to protect and manage trees on private lands;
- Review of current tree maintenance procedures and recommendations;
- Review and implementation of Tree Planting programs; and
- Additional recommendations to further enhance and preserve trees in Saugeen Shores.
UTCP Approved in Principle
The Urban Tree Canopy Plan was presented to Council on Monday December 16, 2024 for approval. The plan was approved in principle by Council, and outlines 22 recommendations. These recommendations will guide actions over the next decade aiming to address critical areas impacting the health and growth of Saugeen Shores’ urban tree canopy, including:
- Tree Maintenance
- Tree Planting
- Development Review
- Awareness and Education
- Urban Tree Conservation By-law
By addressing these key areas, the UTCP seeks to maintain and increase the Town’s tree canopy cover, promoting a thriving and resilient urban forest for residents today and for generations to follow.
Next Steps
Recommendations will be incorporated into the Town's infrastructure, asset management, land use, and business planning as well as operating procedures, where applicable.
A draft Urban Tree Conservation By-law will be presented to Council for consideration in early 2025.
Measures to implement the Plan that would entail initiatives, budget expenditures or staffing resources that are not contained in the 2025 Budget will be brought forward to Council for consideration and approval before activated.
How has the community been involved in this project?
An important component of this project was to obtain community input regarding the tree canopy, how the Town is managing the tree canopy, and what steps can be taken to improve overall management.
This input has helped to shape the Urban Tree Canopy Plan to meet the needs of the community.
