Councillor M. Johnston re-entered the meeting at this time and assumed Chair.
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-161, dated April 14, 2023, recommending initiation of a second phase of the Tree Conservation Process Review.
G. Khandelwal provided an overview of the Tree Conservation Process Review and presented some key findings of Staff's jurisdictional scan of municipal tree conservation processes, polices and bylaws.
G. Stevenson was in attendance and responded to questions from the Committee.
In response to questions from the Committee, C. Musselman noted the tools used to regulate the removal and saving of trees at development sites in the City are the City's Tree Conservation Policy and Tree Management Plans. It was also noted that the Tree Conservation Policy operates as a tiered system where the removal of trees at development sites are mitigated through various methods such as fines or the planting of replacement trees at alternative locations.
Councillor C. Michaud and Councillor J. Deneault left the meeting at this time.
In response to questions from the Committee regarding the enhancement of the City's tree canopy, A. Buitendyk noted majority of the land available in Kitchener for tree planting are privately owned lands thus Staff are exploring opportunities with School Boards and the Reep Green Solutions, Backyard Tree Planting program to promote tree planting on private lands.
Councillor C. Michaud and Councillor J. Deneault re-entered the meeting at this time.
In response to questions from the Committee, N. Goss noted, an aim of Phase 2 of the Tree Conservation Process review is to develop strategies for ensuring a balanced approach in managing staff and budget resources and other competing interest such as housing goals, while ensuring an adequate level of tree canopy protection.
Councilor D. Schnider and Councillor A. Owodunni left the meeting at this time.
Councillor M. Johnston inquired about the status of the City's incentive programs that reward residents for retaining trees. In response, D. McGoldrick noted these programs were put on hold due to insufficient Staff resources and the lack of funding, as Council transferred the incentive program budget to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund program. It was noted, there may be opportunities to further explore incentive initiatives through the tree conservation processes review and that Staff will bring back further information for Committee consideration.
Councillor A. Clancy noted mature trees make a greater contribution to carbon sequestering thus, the City should take a more cautious approach in considering approvals for the removal of mature trees.
On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis