A Message from the Mayor (July)

A Message from the Mayor I like to think that one of the hallmarks of mycareer as Mayor has been advocating for public engagement on issues that affect residents. Town Council formalized this approach with the 2017 approval of a Public Engagement Charter so I’m pleased to advise that consultation and education will figure prominently in the development of a Private Tree Management Strategy. This strategy will apply to trees on private properties and will be informed by a comprehensive stakeholder process to understand what the community values in a healthy tree canopy and how best to preserve those values in the development of new policy. Trees occupying on large parcels of land (half an acre or more) are protected through Halton Region’s tree by-law and enforced by the Town. The by-law is intended to prevent clear cutting of trees or unsustainable wood harvesting which means cutting more trees than the forest can naturally regenerate. Our role as Council members is to make decisions in the best interests of the community and we base these decisions on facts and input from staff, other technical experts, the public and best practices. In regards to the forthcoming tree strategy, I know I speak for all our elected officials when I say we want to hear from property owners to understand your concerns and what you value. I encourage everyone to participate in the consultation process. Information will be available on letstalkhaltonhills.ca in August. Keeping it real. Rick Bonnette, Mayor