Open AccessNew Legislative Ways of Protecting Trees in Municipalities: An Overview of the British Columbia Approach
Author(s) -
Julian A. Dunster
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.1994.020
Subject(s) - legislation , human settlement , legislature , mainland , law , political science , private property , public administration , environmental planning , environmental protection , business , geography , archaeology
In 1992 the Municipal Act of British Columbia was amended, allowing municipalities to enact by-laws governing the protection, removal, and replacement of trees on public and private property. The new legislation has the potential to introduce major changes into the way new urban settlements are designed and created. So far, only a few municipalities have passed by-laws under the amended legislation, although many are actively investigating the ramifications. In this paper, the new legislation and progress to date is briefly reviewed. The problems inherent in managing the urban forests of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia are discussed, along with the need for enhanced knowledge in light of some recent court cases involving construction damage and potential negligence issues.