The City of Maple Ridge adopted a new Tree Protection and Management Bylaw that strengthens tree protection, updates permit requirements, and intends to supports council’s goals for a more livable, climate-resilient community.
As one of the region’s fastest-growing communities, Maple Ridge is balancing housing and development needs with protecting and expanding the urban forest, which provides shade, cleaner air, stormwater management, and carbon storage over the long term.
“This updated bylaw is an important step in protecting one of Maple Ridge’s most valuable natural assets,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “By strengthening protections for healthy and mature trees while requiring more replacement tree planting when removals are necessary, Maple Ridge is taking meaningful action to support climate resilience and the long-term health of our community.”
The updated tree bylaw advances key actions identified in the city’s Urban Forest Management Plan, endorsed by council in July 2024.
The updated bylaw better protects healthy, mature trees while allowing removals where appropriate, such as for hazard trees or infrastructure conflicts.
Key updates include increasing replacement tree requirements when trees are removed, more arborist reporting requirements, and lower thresholds for Tree Management Plans on development sites.
The updated bylaw reflects public feedback from the Urban Forest Management Plan, where 82% of Phase 2 respondents identified stronger bylaws, policies, and guidelines as a high priority. With almost half of Maple Ridge’s tree canopy on private land, the bylaw is a key tool in achieving council’s goal of 40 per cent tree canopy cover by 2050. It also supports actions in the city’s climate action plan “Resilient Future 2050,” and aligns with current urban forestry practices and regional approaches.
The city is hosting a public open house for residents and an industry information session for arborists and landscapers. The open house will take place on Monday, May 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fraser Room at Maple Ridge Library (22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd.). No registration is required. Those interested in attending the industry session can contact the Urban Forestry team at UrbanForestry@MapleRidge.ca.
For more information about the newly adopted Tree Protection & Management Bylaw, visit MapleRidge.ca/TreeBylaw.