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As property owners start to get their land ready for spring there has been an increase in the number of tree cutting complaints in Haldimand County. The Parks, Facilities, Cemeteries and Forestry Division is reminding residents of the Forest Conservation By-law 2204/20 and asking for everyone’s cooperation to ensure that trees within woodlands are not cut without a permit.

Regulation

No person shall cause, permit, allow or perform Injury or Destruction to any Tree located in a Woodlands, unless:

1. a) exempted under the provisions of the Forest Conservation By-law; or
2. b) they are in possession of a valid Permit issued pursuant to the provisions of the Forest Conservation By-law

Definitions

Woodlands means land one (1) hectare or more in area with at least:

1. 1000 Trees of any size, per hectare; or
2. 750 Trees, measuring over five (5) centimetres at DBH, per hectare; or
3. 500 Trees, measuring over twelve (12) centimetres at DBH, per hectare; or
4. 250 Trees, measuring over twenty (20) centimetres at DBH, per hectare.

The definition of Woodlands does not include a Cultivated Fruit or Nut Orchard or a Plantation established for the purpose of producing Christmas trees.

Tree means any species of woody perennial plant, including its root system, which has reached or can reach a height of at least 4.5 metres at physiological maturity, provided that where multiple stems grow from the same root system, the number of Trees shall be the number of stems that can be counted at a point of measure 1.37 metres from the ground.

Penalties

If a person is found guilty of cutting trees in a Woodlands without an exemption or permit they will be charged and may be liable:

1. on a first conviction, to a maximum fine of $10,000 or $1,000 per Tree, whichever is greater; and
2. on any subsequent convictions, to a maximum fine of $25,000 or $2,500 per Tree, whichever is greater.

If a corporation is found guilty of cutting trees in a Woodlands without an exemption or permit they will be charged and may be liable:

1. on a first conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000 or $5,000 per Tree, whichever is greater; and
2. on any subsequent convictions, to a maximum fine of $100,000 or $10,000 per Tree, whichever is greater.

It takes time and training to accurately identify tree species and make the correct measurements in order to determine if a treed area is regulated under the Forest Conservation By-law. Forestry staff strongly recommend that property owners and contractors contact the Parks, Facilities, Cemeteries and Forestry Division to verify if their work falls under an exemption or if a treed area meets the definition of Woodlands before any trees are cut.

There is no cost to have Parks, Facilities, Cemeteries and Forestry Division staff inspect a treed area prior to cutting. Cooperation from the public will assist the County in preserving woodlands and the health of the local ecosystem.

For more information, visit the Trees and Conservation page on the County website.

Haldimand County Public Library, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency, is offering free income tax filing services by trained volunteers as part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

This tax program will be offered as a drop-off only service at the Caledonia, Jarvis, Cayuga, Hagersville and Selkirk branches. The free tax program will run from March 1 to April 9, 2021.

To be eligible for this free tax filing service, participants must be:

• A single, with an annual income of $30,000 or less;
• A married couple, with a combined annual income of $40,000 or less;
• A single adult with dependents, with an annual income of $35,000 or less (plus additional $2,500 per dependent);
• An individual with less than $1,000 investment income

Anyone interested in this free service is asked to call Haldimand County Public Library at 289-674-0400 or visit one of the branches listed above. Once participants drop off materials and complete necessary forms, all materials will be delivered to a volunteer by library staff. Upon completion of the tax files, participants will be called back to the library to pick up their completed forms. If any questions should arise during the process a volunteer will contact participants by phone.

Individuals seeking further information about tax clinics may contact Katrina Krupicz, Community Outreach Coordinator, Haldimand County Public Library at 905-318-5932 ext. 6552 or kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand County Public Library branches are now open for in-person service.

A number of health and safety protocols, including the required use of face coverings and social distancing measures, are in place.

Branch hours of operation remain unchanged with one exception: the Caledonia and Dunnville branches remain closed on Sundays. Curbside services are still available upon request.

Meeting rooms are available at some branches for bookings. Members of the public are encouraged to contact their local branch for details on room capacity and availability.

Limited public computers are available for maximum 2 hour bookings. Stations around the libraries for WIFI use on personal devices are also available. Patrons are asked to see front desk staff for availability.

For more information, visit your local library branch, follow the library on Facebook and Instagram or visit the library website.

Both Argyle Street S. and McKenzie Rd. in Caledonia are now open. Crews have completed temporary repairs to both roadways, which will be maintained until spring when permanent repairs can be made.

Affected portions of the roadway are: Argyle St. S between Braemar Ave. & Highway 6 and McKenzie Rd. between Fuller Dr. & York Rd. Haldimand County is asking for the public’s patience as crews work towards final, permanent repairs.

Members of the public are also advised of the closure of Sixth Line for approximately one week starting Monday, February 22. CN requires full access to Sixth Line to complete rail line repairs.