Interim Woodland Preservation By-law in effect
The City of Kingston has enacted a By-law to temporarily prohibit clear cutting across the city, effective immediately. The By-law responds to recent large-scale tree removal and aims to protect Kingston’s woodlands while a new Official Plan and permanent Tree By-law amendments are being developed.
The By-law applies to all woodlands in the geographic boundaries of the City of Kingston and prohibits clear cutting in mapped woodlands unless specifically permitted.
“Clear cutting” is defined as removing more than 50% of the tree canopy within any 0.1 hectare area within a 12-month period and includes limited exemptions. This applies whether the trees are removed all at once or gradually over several stages during that year.
The By-law allows for Council to grant site-specific exemptions to the clear cutting prohibition where appropriate.
Enforcement would include administrative penalties starting at $5,000 plus $5,000 per 0.1 hectares cleared, with stronger measures for serious or repeat violations. The By-law will expire once the new Official Plan comes into force.
Contact Us
City of Kingston
City Hall
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000
The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.
Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.
