New By-laws Protect Trees in Saugeen Shores

Saugeen Shores has officially adopted two key by-laws aimed at protecting and enhancing the community’s urban forest: the Tree Protection on Town-Owned Property By-law and the Urban Tree Conservation By-law. Together, these by-laws reinforce the municipality’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible growth. 

While preparing the Town’s Urban Tree Canopy Plan (UTCP) last year, an aerial study found that tree canopy covered 39.6% of the urban settlement area in Saugeen Shores. This coverage allows the community to experience health and cooling benefits from the trees. Based on these findings, recommendations were developed to help conserve the areas contributing the most to the Town’s canopy. A key recommendation of the UTCP included the development and implementation of by-laws that support tree conservation on both Town-owned and private lands.  

“These by-laws aim to strike a balance between preservation and property rights by focusing on Town property, environmental protection areas, and areas where development is planned,” said Mayor Charbonneau. “They are a meaningful step forward in protecting the trees that define our community’s character and contribute to our environmental health, reflecting our dedication to sustainability and a balanced approach to growth.” 

The Urban Tree Conservation By-law aims to conserve and protect urban tree cover by regulating the injury and destruction of trees on select private property with a focus on promoting responsible tree management and environmental sustainability. The by-law covers lands zoned Environmental Protection (EP) or Planned Development (PD) greater than one hectare within the Settlement Area Boundary of Saugeen Shores. This new Town by-law is expected to come into effect on April 1, 2026 to ensure resources are available to support application and enforcement.  

The Tree Protection on Town-Owned Property By-law, which will come into effect on January 1, 2026, establishes clear rules to protect and manage trees on Town-owned land, ensuring only the Town or authorized persons may plant, remove, or maintain trees. The by-law also prohibits unauthorized actions such as damaging trees, attaching signs, or applying hazardous materials near them and violations may result in fines. 

The Urban Tree Canopy Plan was approved in principle by Saugeen Shores Council in December 2024. It was first proposed by the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee (ESAC) and was highlighted in the 2024 Business Plan (pg 61).