In our efforts to protect nature in our city, the YGH would like to draw your attention to the proposed City Budget for 2026. No funding is being provided for the new Private Tree Bylaw which is designed to protect established larger trees on private property and therefore the vast majority of the urban tree canopy. That is essentially a cut in staffing as someone will have to do the work of approving the permits required for removing trees.

This bylaw is designed to protect established larger trees on private property and is a way to maintain our tree canopy.

The Park Stewards volunteer program is also being considered to be cut from the budget. It is a program costing just $25,000 and more than pays for itself by having local residents involved in enhancing our parks with activities like tree planting and removing invasive species.

Please write to the mayor and council to show your support for these programs at Councillorsandmayor@guelph.ca