Edmonton Needs a private tree bylaw
The latest news
Andrew Knack, the current Mayor of Edmonton, recently initiated a motion for a city administration to report on methods to support the maintenance and retention of trees on private property, particularly during infill construction. The report is due in Q1 of 2026. This reflects a long-standing concern in Edmonton about the loss of mature trees to development. If you would like to help with advocacy please contact ERVCC.
ERVCC has been advocating for a private tree bylaw for two years. We have done many interviews in BC’s mainland and note most major cities in Canada have a private tree bylaw and the trend is to strenghen these bylaws because they are proving to be very helpful.
Nature Canada’s Tree Equity program notes we must incentivize tree planting on private land. Since a large part of the urban tree canopy is not found on public land, cities need to encourage private landowners to pitch in.The Zoning Bylaw landscaping requirements in Edmonton are not adequate to ensure private land contributes adequately to Edmonton’s urban tree canopy. When infil occurs in Edmonton, properties are sometimes completely denuded and new landscaping is inadequate.
ERVCC wrote this letter to decision makers outlining the issues. ERVCC noted many groups were keen to sign-on to our letter. Hopefully with more time and effort in late 2025 and early 2026, we can bring the decision makers onboard. Please contact ERVCC if you would like to help with our campaign for a private tree bylaw.
Shrubscriber and Nature Alberta were also key supporters of a private tree bylaw. Scrubscriber has done good work on the urban tree canopy and the heat island effect. Watch his U tube here. Taproot Edmonton has also done a tight summary of the issues here.
Dustin Bajer supplied
As we work towards a private tree bylaw we can also support programs for tree planting in our city. Sadly none really help with private trees.
Here are the links to current City of Edmonton programs:
The city is currently updating its Urban Forestry Management plan. Sadly they seem afraid of the best practices other cities use. Private Tree Bylaws are shown to be a strong tool.