Council’s Urban Planning Committee has approved a motion to look at possible tools to protect and encourage tree preservation on private property. An Administration report in response to this motion is due in Spring 2022.
The motion arose out of a recent discussion on a bylaw to protect and preserve trees on public property. Public trees which are referred to as the city’s urban forest consist of 380,000 boulevard and open space trees and 3,000 hectares of natural stands. Mature trees make up 15 percent of the total inventory for boulevard and open space trees, excluding natural stands.
The proposed bylaw for public tree preservation and protection was referred to Administration to complete engagement with stakeholders regarding permit review, site inspection capacity, managing the permitting program and other related concerns. It is due back at the committee on August 24. Information at https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/gardens_lawns_trees/trees-urban-forestry.aspx
Granting a river rights could help protect it
On April 19, Edmonton endorsed an initiative for the complete length of the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta to be designated as part of the Canadian Heritage River System. The system is a joint provincial, territorial, and federal program that aims to promote and conserve rivers with cultural and environmental value.
Though the designation may impact decision making when it comes to policies that affect the river, it does not come with concrete regulations or legislation. But what if the river had the legal rights of a person and a corporation?
In February, the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit and the Minganie Regional County Municipality declared the 300km Muteshekau Shipu or Magpie River in Quebec a legal person, a move that may provide greater certainty for this majestic river’s future.
While a first in Canada, granting legal personhood to natural entities is part of a global movement to recognize the rights of nature in law. Indigenous communities around the world are leading the way in upholding the rights of sacred and ancestral rivers, forests, and mountains. Learn more at https://theconversation.com/rights-for-nature-how-granting-a-river-personhood-could-help-protect-it-157117
Influence council decisions and help make your city better
The Edmonton Insight Community is an inclusive and accessible online citizen panel made up of diverse Edmontonians who provide feedback on City policies, initiatives, and issues. It is open to anyone over the age of 15 who is an Edmonton resident or owns property in Edmonton.
Members complete surveys and participate in discussion forums on a wide range of topics at least twice a month. The Insight Community is a quick and easy way to influence City council decisions and help make your city better.
You have valuable knowledge about your community and a unique perspective that can help make our city better. By joining the Edmonton Insight Community, you can share this knowledge quickly and easily from your phone, tablet, or computer directly with the people who can make your ideas happen.
More information and how to join this online citizen panel at https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/public_engagement/edmonton-insight-community.aspx
River valley concern or contribution
If you have a river valley concern or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Your friends and neighbours can sign up for this newsletter on our web site.
If you have a photo, information, or event about Edmonton’s river valley and think it should be in this newsletter, email it to us.
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712