CAFES has published version 3.0 of our Position Paper on Trees and the new Zoning By-law.
CAFES began working on this position paper in November 2023 with an experienced volunteer working group, with the intent to inform the City's New Comprehensive Zoning By-law with evidenced-based research that demonstrates the necessity for zoning policies to regulate the space for canopy trees in the face of increasing urban intensification. We published version 1.0 of our paper in February 2024.
In April 2024, CAFES made a public delegation presentation to the special Joint Planning and Housing and ARAC committee meeting discussing the first draft of the new zoning by-law (video starts at 1:25). In May 2024, Draft 1 was released. With October 31st marking the end of the public consultation period for the first draft, version 3.0 of the CAFES paper has been updated to reflect our position.
Our paper demonstrates how zoning metrics can regulate soft landscaping space and soil volumes for canopy trees to thrive to maturity in private and public realms, and addresses how zoning policies can lead to more mature trees being retained. Our recommendations include minimum soil volume and surface area requirements depending on tree size, large 6 m front yard setbacks where possible, required soft landscaping space in both front and rear yards, and bigger priorities for setbacks and canopy trees in hub zones, mainstreets and minor corridors. We demonstrate our support for tree planting in traveled lanes, shared driveways, driveway width maximums, provisions that require soft landscaped space in parking lots, and no car parking minimums. We are especially in strong support of zoning policies that permit the use of trees and green engineered infrastructure for stormwater management. CAFES has been advocating for Stormwater Tree Trenches as an effective solution to enhance stormwater attenuation while supporting a healthier tree canopy.
If you are in touch with your City Councillor, please send them a message saying that the new Zoning By-law must make solid and metrics-based provisions for trees. Feel free to attach the CAFES position paper and send it to them.
If you have questions or feedback, please reach out to Erica at eshardlow@cafesottawa.ca.
