A Chatham councillor's motion for a second opinion ahead of tree removal in Chatham has failed.
Ward 6 councillor Michael Bondy wanted to save 30 trees on Victoria Avenue in Chatham, but the motion for a second opinion was rejected by a vote of 6-8.
Bondy dropped the part of his motion regarding Erieau because Erieau residents are in favour of tree removal in that community.
Original story was published on Monday, May, 13, 2024.
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A Chatham councillor is asking for a second opinion ahead of tree removal set for Chatham and Erieau, but it doesn't look like he'll be successful.
Ward 6 councillor Michael Bondy wants a local arborist to assess 30 trees on Victoria Avenue in Chatham and 17 trees in Erieau slated for removal or potential removal with an emphasis on preservation. Bondy lives on Victoria Avenue.
Bondy also wants the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, the LTVCA, and the Sydenham Field Naturalists to be consulted to determine if roosting, nesting, or migratory habitats will be affected prior to any tree removal in either location.
He wants regulations and laws regarding this practice to be explored and strictly followed.
"Turkey Vultures, Screech Owls, and many other species of birds call these trees home," said Bondy in his notice of motion to be discussed and voted on at the Council meeting Monday night.
Administration said trees on Victoria Avenue have been assessed externally twice and internally several times by certified arborists over the past five years and another opinion is likely to lead to similar results as it has in the past which recommends removals.
Staff also said they have received comments from the Erieau Community Association that they do not support the Erieau Boulevard being included in this motion, adding the group was looking forward to the tree work and replanting to beautify the park.
"To date staff have had conversations with 12 of the 16 property owners who abut the trees identified for removal, over 80% agree with the recommendations of the report and understand removal is required," said administration.
The other part of Bondy's motion includes assessing trees in other areas, such as parks and trails, to ensure the municipality is protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of citizens. However, it doesn't appear that's going to fly either because it would cost too much and take too long.
Administration estimates that assessing all the trees in public areas would cost about $4 million and would take 5-10 years to complete.
"A number of municipal properties are listed in the motion, the phrase "but not limited to" suggests that all municipal properties go through a formal tree assessment. There are several thousand kilometres of road in the municipality and many trails and parks. Based on the Victoria Avenue assessment being $4,000 over 2.5 km, it is probable that to hire a consultant to complete all theses assessments could cost $4,000x1,000 reports=$4,000,000," said staff. "The wording "including, but not limited to" and "upon completion" suggests that all municipal properties need to be reviewed before any removals take place in the Municipality. This task will take significant funding and 5-10 years to complete. If all tree removals are held until the conclusion, the Municipality will not allow for high risk trees to be addressed in a timely manner to address safety issues. Staff would have to consult out the assessments of all properties and would detract Public Works staff from other priorities. All tree removals would essentially stop until these assessments are completed."
