Environment and Climate Change Committee

WHEREAS the Tree Protection By-law (No. 2020-340), came into effect on January 1, 2021; and WHEREAS Section 17 (4) provides that “The General Manager may approve the removal from municipal property by the City of, […] (4) a tree that is causing, or likely to cause in the future, serious damage to private property where other mitigation measures are unlikely to prevent future damage; and WHEREAS it is critical that the City of Ottawa assist private property owners in protecting their homes from property damage caused by trees on municipal property; and WHEREAS six properties throughout the Gospel Oak Fairlop neighbourhood potentially have issues with adjacent trees on municipal property; and WHEREAS three properties throughout the Gospel Oak Fairlop neighbourhood have geotechnical reports proving serious property damage caused by adjacent trees on municipal property; and WHEREAS these reports are evident of a larger problem within this neighbourhood; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the General Manager approve the removal from municipal property by the City, at the City’s expense, of any municipal tree in the neighbourhood of Gospel Oak Fairlop, at the request of any adjacent property owner, received between now and December 31, 2026. Note: The notice of motion was subsequently

That the rules of procedure be waived to consider the matter below at the February 17, 2026 meeting of Environment and Climate Change Committee due to the application deadline. WHEREAS Bird Friendly Ottawa is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to advance bird-friendly actions in Ottawa to create safer environments for birds; WHEREAS Bird Friendly Ottawa advances this mission by addressing and mitigating key threats to birds, protecting and restoring natural habitat, strengthening climate resilience, and conducting community outreach and education, guided by principles of shared responsibility, inclusive and accessible decision-making, proactive and innovative action, and strong partnerships; WHEREAS Bird Friendly Ottawa engages residents across the city to support personal and collective action that balances nature, wildlife, and people, and has hosted more than 100 public events since 2022; WHEREAS Ottawa lies on the Atlantic Flyway, one of North America’s major migratory bird routes, nearly half of Canada’s bird species are found in the Ottawa region, and the Ottawa River is designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area; WHEREAS Bird Friendly City certification is a national designation administered by Nature Canada that formally recognizes municipal leadership in bird conservation, biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and community engagement, with certification valid for three years, WHEREAS There are 36 Canadian municipalities curren