Private Property Tree By-Law -Coming Before Council - November 18, 2019

A hot topic of discussion with many residents over the last few months in the King City area has been about the new proposed private tree by-law. This by-law had extensive public consultation!

I am so proud of the turnout, to put into context the turnout during the public consultation period we had nearly 300 individuals respond to an online survey, in person survey, or just comment through email. Newmarket with nearly four times our size only got 74 responses when they proposed a tree by-law. And the largest area for turnout was Ward 1 in King City.

The report is still being worked on by staff and will be available to read November 14, 2019, on the King Township Agenda Website. But an important bit of information I would like to share with all residents, the public consultation was very clear and one sided. With that information our Sustainability Committee had the chance to vote on endorsing or not to endorse the proposed draft tree bylaw.

The Sustainability Committee is made up of some members of council (including myself) and members of the public. The committee did NOT endorse the draft private property tree by-law. This decision will be included in the report to come to Council on November 18, 2019.

This update is solely to encourage all residents of Ward One to come to the meeting and share their thoughts. The public consultation was clear on the fact that this issue is truly one that has inspired many people to participate. I hope to see everyone on November 18, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the Municipal Centre so I can best represent all residents in making a decision that will truly impact all residents and their properties.