Our story begins in Wasaga Beach, a place many of us decided to call home, own cottages or as one  of the 2 million annual  visitors that come here to enjoy the world's longest freshwater beach, the clear waters of Georgian Bay and the spectacular forests that are interwoven throughout our town. Here, we reside amidst mature, towering pines, oaks, and other native species. These trees serve not only as a testament to the beauty of our natural landscape but also provide habitat for birds and wildlife.  They aid in diminishing wind speeds, curbing the impact of blowing sand and snow, and offering shade and respite from the heat. Furthermore, they are indispensable carbon dioxide removers which helps to reduce the impact of climate change.  Supporting statistics underline the significance of trees in our lives. According to the Nature Conservancy, one large tree can absorb 10-40kg   of CO2 per year depending on the size and urban trees can cool pedestrian level temperatures up to 12 degree C.

However, our beloved environment has been under threat by our current, outdated by-laws that allows property owners with lots less that  1 hectare or 2.6 acres (which accounts for most town lots) the unrestricted rights to cut down trees of any size including those that are endangered or protected. Protecting trees on residential lots is becoming more important with the recent clearing of large forests to make way for development as the lot beside the new high school site and more proposed subdivisions in town on properties that are forested.   This  indiscriminate clear cutting and removal of healthy trees from private properties and woodlots  poses a threat to our unique biodiversity, disturbs local ecosystems  and hampers our fight against climate change, not to mention negatively affecting the aesthetics of our community whose tourist business is based on the natural beauty of this unique town.  
The Town of Wasaga beach will be reviewing the current by-laws this year and we hope the new regulations have strong protection for trees and forests and will be enforced.  This is why I am working with the Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team to petition our Mayor and Town Council to modify the existing by-law to prohibit the removal of larger and significant trees, on ANY size property without Town approval or  a permit and  only after meeting specific criteria; like diseased trees or if there is a safety concern; or to make way for permitted construction. This permit process could provide  public education for homeowners to understand benefits of trees, reevaluate their tree cover and give them  reasons to keep healthy trees alive and preserve heritage trees.   We would also like to suggest that developers should be required to preserve portions of existing forests in new subdivisions wherever possible and to maintain forest corridors for wildlife and require  them replant more trees when large numbers have to be removed.  A by-law like this would be similar to the City of Toronto's and other municipalities who prioritize protecting the forest canopy! It is important to preserve mature forests and trees and continually plant new ones to make sure we have trees  for future generations to enjoy!

In conclusion, amending our by-law is not just about preserving our town and it's trees, it is  about taking a stand for critical  issue that affects us all - climate change and loss of biodiversity.  Initiating change requires a collective effort, and signing this petition is an initial step towards that shared goal. It helps us show the Wasaga Beach council, mayor and bylaw department that this is in issue important to so many of us, residents, cottagers and visitors alike; and that trees are appreciated by whole neighborhoods and essential for wildlife.  Your support can aid us in safeguarding our urban tree canopy and ensuring we keep the beauty, biodiversity  and ecological balance of Wasaga Beach.  Thank you for your support!  Terry Mackay- Wasaga Beach resident.