The Town of Saugeen Shores is preparing an Urban Tree Canopy Plan (UTCP) with the support of Williams & Associates Forestry Consulting. The UTCP will assess 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.

The Urban Tree Canopy Plan Discussion Paper was presented to Council on Tuesday October 15, 2024 for information and input. As part of the next steps in the development of the Urban Tree Canopy Plan, the Town is asking residents to review the Urban Tree Canopy Plan Discussion Paper and provide feedback before November 8, 2024. Comments will be received and considered in the further development of the Urban Tree Canopy Plan.

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 is helping to shape the Urban Tree Canopy Plan to meet the needs of the community.

The information received from all public consultation will be reviewed and considered in the development of the Urban Tree Canopy Plan and the Urban Tree Conservation By-law to ensure it meets the needs of the community. In addition to the reports presented to Council for information and awareness, a final report will be brought to Council for consideration. Please ensure you revisit this project page, as the Town will continue to share the ongoing development of the key components that make up the Urban Tree Canopy Plan.