Agenda Package - City of Vernon

10-
F.
Relevant Historv:
The Environmental Advisory Committee was given the task of discussing issues of
tree protection and requestéd by Council to recommend policy direction to modify the
existing tree protection bylaws to reflect the concerns of residents as evidenced in the
letters to Council in June of 2007.
The removal of large, significant trees on private property, as well as the low
proportion of canopy covei along city streets, in parking lots and along pedestrian
bori¡dors have beeñ cause for community concern over the last several years.
Community input on the value of trees along city streets and the importance of trees in
the overali liveability of the city have been expressed following the removal of iconic
trees, during consujtat¡on on ôCP 2OOB and during neighbourhood plan community
consultation processes.
G.
Aoolicant's Response:
N/A
H. Reasons for Bvlaw:
N/A
l. Resources:
Funding for the acquisition and
GHG eilissions reduction and a
provincial and federal sources.
nergy conservation initiatives,
can be obtained from several
development fo|tree planting
and maintenance as well as for boulevard maintenance can be undertaken between
planning, Engineering and Operations staff as well as GVAC Parks staff and
Commuñities in Bloom. Should Council endorse the further refinement of an incentive
program, full budget analysis will be undertaken and available grant and funding
sources will be investigated.
Tree community benefit modeling can be undertaken, based on tree suruey data,
using the US Fórest Seruice iTree Streets modeling software which is free for use, and
which has been widely used throughout North America. Currently, Vernon lree survey
data is being used in the development of an early tree community benefit model for
the City in collaboration with the City Arbourist.
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:
Tree planting and boulevard maintenance incentives would require budget allocation to
permii the pirrchase of watering bags or picks to enhance community watering of street
irees, to undertake the planting of street trees, statf time to manage the incentive programs
and develop community outreach and education materials in support of the programs.
Involvemeni of community members in the watering and overall maintenance of residential
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