Trees in Port Moody

Port Moody’s trees are an important community resource, integral to the health and well-being of our people, plants, and animals – and to the city’s resilience in the face of climate change.

On public land, City staff manage and care for trees in parks and on streets and boulevards. On private land, property owners and residents care for trees.

Trees on public lands and on private lands in specific circumstances are protected under the City’s Tree Protection Bylaw (PDF). The bylaw requires property owners to apply for a permit to remove a tree within environmentally sensitive areas (such as a streamside riparian area), on strata properties, and on properties undergoing redevelopment.

In response to City Council’s declaration of a climate emergency and the City’s goal of restoring and strengthening our urban forest (articulated in Port Moody’s Climate Action Plan), we are working on two projects that recognize the vital role of trees in our community: the development of an Urban Forest Management Strategy, and a review of the Tree Protection Bylaw.

Tree Protection Bylaw Review

Tree Protection Bylaw Review: Phase 3 public engagement is now open. All details are available on the project page.
Trees on public lands and on private lands in specific circumstances are protected under the City’s Tree Protection Bylaw. We are reviewing the existing bylaw to ensure it reflects best management practices and community values.

Urban Forest Management Strategy

Urban Forest Management Strategy: Public engagement has concluded for this project.
Every tree in Port Moody, whether it’s on a city street or in a park or a residential yard, is part of our urban forest. We will establish a 30-year vision for the management of Port Moody’s urban forest and develop a strategy to help us achieve this vision. The Strategy will guide us in our planning and decision-making and include targets for funding and levels of service required to sustain our urban forest.

What we heard: Phase 1 and Phase 2 engagement

Phase 1: public engagement on the Strategy and Bylaw Review took place in May/June 2022. Phase 2 public engagement took place in May/June 2023. Find out what we heard: view City staff's reports to Council (see agenda items 7.3 and 7.4 for the September 12, 2023 regular meeting), which include the Urban Forest Management Strategy public engagement summary (Phases 1 + 2) and the Tree Protection Bylaw Review public engagement summary (Phase 2). Please note that Phase 1 engagement on the Urban Forest Management Strategy included gathering input on values and preferences for updates to the Tree Protection Bylaw.

Phase 2: marks the conclusion of public engagement on the development of the Urban Forest Management Strategy, and City Council considered and adopted the draft strategy document at the September 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting (agenda item 11.1).

Phase 3: dates have yet to be determined for Phase 3 public engagement on the Tree Protection Bylaw Review.

Thank you to everyone who has provided their input so far!