Toronto tree protection laws are still unfair – and so are the delays they create

Just before Christmas in 2014, we published an email from a contractor (Michael) complaining about the convoluted rules around Toronto tree removal. Predictably, we had posts from tree lovers (so are we) accusing us/him of being ultra-right-wing nature-destroyers. But this contractor was making just one point: The rules around trees and construction are unfair to the small contractor and so are the permit delays and bureaucracy.

Here is someone who agrees with Michael. Thanks for the post, David.      .

“I think the point that Michael was trying to make is that if you live in the city then you are paying for the infrastructure and building that you live in, which means that you are, indirectly, paying for the removal of a natural habitat (which most likely had more than a few trees). If no one bought the houses, they would stop doing this… The point is that nobody can pretend like they are blame-free. The lifestyle we live is destructive and pointing the finger at contractors might make you feel better about yourself, but it’s just not fair.

The thing that is unfair about the tree laws in Toronto is that private contractors and small businesses get to deal with unreasonable restrictions (like in this article), while government-contracted companies and home builders get approved for variances to cut down perfectly healthy trees that nobody else would ever get approved for.

If we are going to talk about unfair comments, let’s talk about yours, Gail: “Contractors don’t know anything about plant life.” I’m a contractor and I can tell you that a Norway maple is considered an invasive species, and poses a risk to our native tree species. Also, they grow pretty darn fast: I’ve seen a Norway go from key to tree (35 cm) in 14 years. It’s ridiculous that the city is up in arms over an overgrown weed. I admit they’re nice looking trees… but still weeds!”