City taking the educate them route - putting on an Arbor Day - on why trees matter. Are there people who don't know this?

News 100 greenBy Pepper Parr

April 22, 2015

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlington has struggled mightily to get a private tree bylaw in place – it wouldn’t fly with this council.

Belvenia trees-1024x768

The best argument there is for a private tree bylaw

The city is now going to try the educating them route – and with that objective in mind they are going to hold an Arbor Day on Saturday, May 2, at Central Arena, 519 Drury Lane, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Almost a Trees 101 event, the city’s first Arborfest event will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the benefits trees bring to our community.

“Recent community surveys and public engagements have revealed a desire among residents to increase their education and awareness about trees and the value they bring to our community,” said Scott Stewart, general manager of development and infrastructure. “We are excited to invite residents to this free, fun, family event held just in time to celebrate Arbor Day.”

Arborfest 2015 will feature:

• Exhibits from local community groups, gardeners and landscape vendors who play a key role in promoting the health and benefits of Burlington’s urban forest
• Tree planting in Central Park
• Fun activities for children.

At the several public meetings to explain the why of a private tree bylaw we heard some pretty stupid arguments as well as some of the most reasoned, reasonable thinking put forward in this city. But there is still a significant – “my home is my castle and I will do whatever I want on my property” viewpoint floating around out there.

BurlingtonGreen fought mightily to persuade Council to put a private tree bylaw in place.  It failed but the environmentalists just don’t give up

Who voted for the private tree bylaw and who didn’t?

Why a private tree bylaw

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