Surrey council approved a motion on Monday aimed at increasing penalties for removing or otherwise damaging city trees.
Coun. Pardeep Kooner put forward her notice of motion at the April 22 regular council meeting concerning tree protection guidelines, calling on city staff to “bring forward a pathway to increasing penalties for removing or damaging any city trees within one month if approved by council.”
Kooner also called on staff to bring forward a corporate report regarding “potential amendments” to the Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw aimed at improving permit processing timelines, tree protection guidelines, increasing clarity, and improving equity. Council approved this as well.
The city in 2021 tweaked penalties under its Tree Protection Bylaw by doubling fines to $20,000 from $10,000 per-offence related to chopping down “significant” trees.