Dear Resident,

Your new home is located adjacent to a woodlot. The rear portion of your backyard is located within the City Tree Preservation Zone. This area has been designated significantly unique and a valuable asset to the neighbourhood, community and the city.

We ask your assistance in preserving the trees and these woodlots

Woodlots are the lungs of the city. They provide oxygen through photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, provide shade and help to cool down the surrounding area and provide habitat for wildlife.

Woodlots contain trees and under stories for young trees, shrubs, herb and fauna layer on the forest floor. The survival of the woodlands is dependant on this delicate balance of these layers. Disturbance to these layers can offset the balance of the woodlot and lead to the ultimate decline and degradation of the woodlot.

The construction of new homes adjacent to woodlands may cause some decline along the woodlot edge within the preservation zone. The Forestry Section will annually monitor the woodlots to ensure safety and health.

The City By-law prohibits the installation of decks, pools, sheds, gates on fences and any other structures within the preservation zone.

TIPS YOU CAN FOLLOW TO PRESERVE THE TREES AND WOODLOTS:

• Allow leaves, twigs and branches to decompose naturally on the ground.
  
• Do not rake or remove leaves, branches or fallen logs. Do not trample the under story.
  
• Remove any garbage such as newspapers, plastic bags, cans, atc., from the forest.
  
• Do not plant turf or grasses within the preservation zone.
  
• Do not plant non-native or invasive plants in the zone, such as Periwinkle or Norway Maple trees.
  
• Educate your children, neighbours, friends and contractors about the importance of woodlots and the sensitivity of the woodlot and edge.
  
• Do not dump grass clippings, topsoil, dirt, concrete debris, firewood and garden waste in the zone.
  
• Notify the Forestry Section of any dead, hazardous or dying trees.
  
• Do not build sheds, play structures, patios, and tree forts or dig trenches within the zone.
  
• Enjoy the beauty of the shade, trees and wildlife!
  
• Do not use lawn chemicals near the zone and do not dump pool water into the woodlot.
  
• Please remember to pick-up after your dog!

OUTDOOR WATER USE BY-LAW (122-2003)

The City of Vaughan is committed to responsible municipal water management.

Included in the City’s Outdoor Water Use By-Law (122-2003) are a number of provisions to encourage conservation during the summer months.

• Outdoor watering is permitted only between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. daily.
• Odd/Even watering restrictions are in place between May 15 and September 30 each year.
  
  • Odd numbered street addresses = odd numbered days of the month
  • Even numbered street addresses = even numbered days of the month
    
• During times when the City of Vaughan needs to restrict water use, restrictions will be implemented in stages, beginning with a voluntary ban on outdoor watering to a mandatory prohibition of all outdoor water uses. Exemptions are in place for certain businesses and functions.

back