Letterbox: Tree bylaw fundamental to health, livability and community character, say environmental groups

Dear editor,

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Port Moody mayor, council, and dedicated staff for their leadership in developing and adopting a strengthened Tree Protection Bylaw.

This bylaw reflects a meaningful commitment to safeguarding Port Moody’s urban forest and the many benefits it provides—clean air, climate resilience, stormwater management, wildlife habitat, and overall community well-being.

We especially commend council and staff for prioritizing long-term ecological value by adjusting tree replacement requirements based on canopy cover at maturity, recognizing the exceptional importance of retaining large-diameter trees, embedding tree preservation into development planning from the outset, and taking a thoughtful approach to canopy coverage targets based on land use realities.

We appreciate council’s careful attention in seeking clarity on the implications of recent provincial housing legislation, including Bill 44. At a time when municipal tree protection authority has been constrained and uncertainty remains, this diligence helps ensure that every available tool to retain and strengthen a healthy urban forest is clearly understood, thoughtfully considered, and fully used.

Tree preservation is not only an environmental issue — it is fundamental to public health, livability, and community character. The strengthened Tree Protection Bylaw will ensure that future generations inherit a greener, healthier, and more resilient Port Moody.

We thank council and staff for their thoughtful leadership and for demonstrating that environmental stewardship remains a priority in a rapidly growing city.

Sincerely,

Burke Mountain Naturalists
Wondrous Tree Fellowship
TriCities Urban Forest Working Group