After a whirlwind 72 hours, Langford council voted to approve its tough new tree protection bylaw during a special council meeting.

Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson reiterated comments heB次元官网网址檇 made the previous day, saying the cityB次元官网网址檚 hand had been forced by several instances of unpermitted tree cutting.

B次元官网网址淲e did not want to be doing this right now,B次元官网网址� Goodmanson said. B次元官网网址淲e felt our hands were being forced by a small number of people stepping outside the tree regulations.B次元官网网址�

A number of residents spoke in favour of the bylaw, although there were several who were angered by the requirements to have trees assessed by arborists to verify they are dangerous trees prior to having them cut, as well as the short turnaround time for the bylaw.

B次元官网网址淭his bylaw is going is to cause a lot of hardship,B次元官网网址� said Langford resident Nirmal Johal. B次元官网网址淭he cost is going to put a large burden on a lot of people.B次元官网网址�

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The city addressed some concerns, noting the bylaw does not prevent people from trimming a tree of branches, so long as it doesnB次元官网网址檛 kill the tree.

The bylaw prohibits the cutting of any tree with a trunk diameter greater than 20 centimeters measured at a height of 1.4 metres above the undisturbed grade of the land. There are several exceptions in the bylaw, but also stiff penalties. Under the Offenses Act, council can seek financial compensation through the courts of a minimum of $5,000 per tree. The cityB次元官网网址檚 bylaw department can also impose a fine of $1,000 per tree.

The bylaw is a temporary measure meant to give council more time to develop a comprehensive tree management plan.

One resident suggested the fines be pooled into a fund to help cover the costs for residents of getting a tree assessed, something city staff said they would study.

The tree protection bylaw was first presented in a special council meeting on Monday after it was added to the meeting as an extra item. Initially, the agenda only had one item on it, calling for an in-camera meeting for the B次元官网网址渞eceipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.B次元官网网址� But prior to the meetingB次元官网网址檚 1 p.m. start date, the extra item was added. Then the special council meeting on Wednesday was announced, to allow residents to have their say.

Coun. Colby Harder said the quick turnaround initially gave her pause but likened the bylaw to a tourniquet.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 hard to have a discussion with no trees left.B次元官网网址�

READ MORE: Langford council voting on B次元官网网址榬estrictiveB次元官网网址� tree bylaw at special meeting Wednesday