Several Renfrew County municipalities are affected by the province’s recent move to protect black ash trees and officials suspect the regulations may not be well-received by some property owners.
Ontario has deemed black ash an endangered species because of the emerald ash borer that has been affecting the species for the past number of years. The new legislation, however, covers healthy trees only in areas of the province harder hit by the invasive species.
Affected municipalities include Arnprior, Admaston/Bromley, Greater Madawaska, Horton, and McNab/Braeside.
County council members discussed the issue last week.
“It seems to be suggesting that if I wish to remove a black ash tree on my property that is larger than eight centimetres, essentially at my chest, that I get in a qualified professional and should that qualified professional suggest that it is an unhealthy tree I can remove it,” said Coun. Michael Donohue, mayor of Admaston/Bromley. “If the qualified professional deems that it is a healthy tree, not only can I not remove it, I now must have a 30-metre protective zone surrounding that tree.”
Donohue described the move as “ill-considered and ill-conceived” and said: “It does give me some foreboding as to how that might be received within my community.”
Jason Davis, director of development and property for the county, said the new regulations will be challenging and that the situation is reminiscent of the protection of butternut a number of years ago.
There will be ramifications for not only the planning department, but public works, as well, with numerous black ash trees in the county, said Davis.
Warden Peter Emon noted the county expressed concern during all stages of the consultation process.
“We feel our advice was ignored,” he said. “This is something that’s been foisted upon us after lots of consultation, which we opposed.”
(Written by Sherry Haaima)