Tree management

Trees and forest groves are an important part of Courtenay’s identity and character. They also provide ecological benefits and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

To protect and manage this valuable resource:

  • A tree bylaw is in place to regulate the removal of trees on all private property within Courtenay.
  • An Urban Forest Strategy has been adopted to better understand this shared asset, including input from the community.

Tree bylaw

The Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850 regulates tree removal on private property. Use the information below to find out if the bylaw applies to your property and what steps to follow if it does.

Why do we regulate tree removal?

Trees provide vital benefits to our community, including:

  • Absorbing pollution and stormwater.
  • Improving air and water quality.
  • Storing carbon and producing oxygen.
  • Providing shade, windbreaks and noise reduction.
  • Enhancing wildlife habitat and neighborhood beauty.

The City’s Official Community Plan prioritizes the protection and management of trees as valuable community assets.

What are the goals of the tree bylaw?

The tree bylaw helps protect trees and promote replanting to maintain our urban forest. It sets rules for keeping trees, replanting them or paying cash-in-lieu to plant trees elsewhere where the tree canopy is low. The rules vary depending on the size of the property and whether the tree being removed is a protected species.

A key goal of the bylaw is for all properties to contribute to the urban forest by meeting a Tree Density Target of 50 trees per hectare of developable land. For most properties in Courtenay, this means maintaining three or four trees.

What tree species are protected in Courtenay?

The following tree species are protected in Courtenay when over 0.5 metres in height:

To remove any of these species, you must obtain a tree cutting permit. These permits are only approved in special cases, such as when a tree poses a hazard or prevents development allowed by the property’s zoning.

Do I need a tree cutting permit?

A tree cutting permit is required in the following situations:

  • You are removing trees of any size in environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., riparian areas)*.
  • You are removing protected species, such as Garry oak or Pacific dogwood, regardless of size.
  • You are removing trees that are over 20 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH).

*In environmentally sensitive areas, you may also need an Environmental Development Permit [PDF - 334 KB] (DPA-4-Environmental).

Follow the steps below to determine whether you need a permit:

  1. Check your property size using the interactive map.
    • If your property is larger than 4,000 m² (about one acre), you need a tree cutting permit to remove trees.
    • If your property is smaller than 4,000 m² (about one acre), follow the steps below.
  2. Check if your tree is protected.
    • If the tree is a protected species (e.g., Garry oak, Pacific dogwood) or covered by a covenant or development permit, you need a tree cutting permit.
    • See the list of protected species above.
  3. Check your tree density target. If the tree is not protected:
    • Use the interactive map to find how many trees your property needs to meet the tree density target.
    • If your property meets the target after tree removal, you don’t need a permit.*
    • If your property doesn’t meet the target, you will need a permit and must either:
      • Replant a tree on your property, or
      • Pay cash-in-lieu to the Tree Planting and Replacement Reserve Fund.

*Note: Protect the remaining trees on your property. If you're applying for a building permit, you must install tree protection fencing around them. We recommend hiring a qualified arborist to help keep these trees healthy during construction.

Tree cutting permit fees

  • Tree cutting permit (general): $100
  • Tree cutting permit (property over 4000m²): $500
  • Tree replacement bond (per tree): $300
  • Tree protection security bond (per tree): $1000
  • Hazardous tree cutting permit: Free

Applying for a tree cutting permit

Start your application online, following these steps:

  • Confirm your role: You must be the property owner, business owner, or an authorized agent (with written permission).

  • Fill out the application form: Include your contact info and the property address.

  • Check if other permits apply: Let us know if this is related to a building permit, development application, or other project.

  • Identify the tree(s): Note if the tree is a protected species or poses a hazard (an arborist report may be required).

  • Describe your project: Explain why you're removing or pruning the tree and what steps you've taken to preserve existing trees.

Urban Forest Strategy

The Urban Forest Strategy guides how our community protects and manage trees on both public and private land within Courtenay. The urban forest includes the trees, vegetation, soil and natural processes that make up our community’s landscape. It supports environmental protection, stormwater management, climate resilience, habitat conservation and liveability.

Goals of the Urban Forest Strategy:

  • Establish baseline information about Courtenay’s urban forest.
  • Develop a community-informed vision for its future.
  • Identify strategies and actions to achieve this vision.

With this strategy in place, Courtenay aligns with many communities across the province in adopting plans to steward urban forests.

What is the urban forest?

Courtenay’s urban forest is found on both public and private lands, including:

  • parks and natural areas
  • residential neighbourhoods
  • urban centres and institutions
  • industrial and agricultural areas
  • green infrastructure and street trees

Learn more

Share your perspective

Discover Courtenay’s urban forest through community eyes! Share photos of your favourite spots and explore others’ contributions on our crowd-sourced story map.