Hiring a consultant to create a plan will aim to help inform long-term tree-canopy management in the city.
Published Jan 29, 2026 • 3 minute read
Photo by corradobarattaphotos /Getty Images/iStockphoto
The decline of Cornwall’s tree canopy is currently outpacing its replacement.
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This reality was discussed with city council earlier this week when they considered how to proceed with establishing a permanent tree protection bylaw.
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“Our analysis shows that while the city continues to plant more trees ourselves, overall, the tree canopy is declining over time,” said Cornwall general manager of infr…
Hiring a consultant to create a plan will aim to help inform long-term tree-canopy management in the city.
Published Jan 29, 2026 • 3 minute read
Photo by corradobarattaphotos /Getty Images/iStockphoto
The decline of Cornwall’s tree canopy is currently outpacing its replacement.
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Story continues below
Article content
This reality was discussed with city council earlier this week when they considered how to proceed with establishing a permanent tree protection bylaw.
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“Our analysis shows that while the city continues to plant more trees ourselves, overall, the tree canopy is declining over time,” said Cornwall general manager of infrastructure and municipal works Michael Fawthrop. “If it proceeds in the manner it currently is, we won’t be able to maintain our 30 per cent citywide target for our urban canopy.”
Tree canopy is recognized as the layer of leaves, branches, and stems that act as an overhead covering. Providing numerous ecological benefits, tree canopy provides temperature-cooling shade, air purification, and acts as a stormwater-interception buffer.
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Council opted to proceed with steps that will help the city establish a permanent bylaw. Fawthrop explained the permanent bylaw will be modelled around the existing temporary tree-protection bylaw that has been in place since 2024, which focuses on wood lot protection and regulating tree removal that happens before appropriate studies and approvals.
The city also plans to update its subdivision and site plan control design manual, and will retain a consultant to create an urban-forest management plan. Cornwall will apply for funding to support the procurement of the plan, including through the Green Municipal Fund.
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Coun. Carilyne Hébert said the city should move forward with the plan regardless of any outside funding support as it would help to clearly define goals, create a long-term road map, and put the city in a better position to access outside funding supports.
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Coun. Claude McIntosh clarified how the temporary bylaw does not pertain to a typical residential lot and a homeowner looking to cut down a few trees. Fawthrop said there are definitions within the temporary bylaw that currently focuses on clear cutting and woodlots, and outlines expectations around site plans.
McIntosh also wanted to know how many ash trees have been cut down in the city in the last few years and if this has had an affect tree canopy. Fawthrop said he couldn’t speak to an exact number but said there have been thousands of ash trees cut, and how this certainly would impact the city’s tree canopy.
“This needs to have teeth,” said Coun. Sarah Good, speaking about the bylaw’s enforcement moving forward. “In order for this to be enforceable, we need to ensure that the bylaw can actually prevent widespread clear cutting, and the removal of mature and significant trees.”
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Hébert voiced how Ontario’s provincial government is quickly pushing development with little consideration for environmental sustainability, also ruling as it pleases over conservation-authority amalgamation.
“Whether we like it or not, this is falling on our shoulders,” she said “Tree protection and environment protection will more and more land in our laps and doing nothing is not a neutral choice.”
“So if we are serious about climate change, heat mitigation, and long-term planning, we can’t ignore this.”
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Coun. Fred Ngoundjo praised the temporary bylaw and all the city’s work around tree protection. He asked Fawthrop how the efficiency of the plan would be evaluated. Fawthrop said a plan would allow for annual reporting to council on the status of the city’s tree canopy, and could include aerial mapping and photographs.
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“Trees are the best solution we have to protect our environment. It’s amazing we have this bylaw,” said Ngoundjo, talking about greenhouse gases, and how the city needs find a balance between supporting building growth and maintaining its tree canopy.
As work toward a permanent bylaw continues, stakeholders will be consulted. Public engagement on the temporary bylaw was strong, with 558 survey responses received and 77 per cent of respondents indicating support for such a bylaw to help avoid unnecessary tree removals, as well as protection of trees and natural areas.
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