We, the undersigned, wish to express our outrage over the illegal cutting of 3 trees at 47/51 Gainsville Ave in December, 2016 without a Tree Permit to Injure or Destroy tree(s) By-law 2008-96.  Two of these trees were owned by the City and were located on City land. One of these trees was a large maple valued at $75,000.  We are pleased that the City has charged the perpetrators with offences under Tree Preservation Bylaw and we will be following developments closely.  In light of this incident, due to significant and continuing interest in this subject among local residents, and in keeping with the City’s stated policy objective of zero degradation of the tree canopy, we are asking the City to accelerate their review of the Tree Preservation Bylaw enacted June 24th, 2008 to prevent further illegal tree cutting, enhance enforcement of bylaws regulating the cutting of trees and improve tree preservation for new developments.