Tree advocate says fines seen as 'cost of doing business'

A group standing up for Saskatoon’s urban forest is concerned about city trees being cut down to make way for new development.
 
The issue came to light this month after three city-owned trees were cut down along the 900 block of Sask. Crescent. The property owner could be paying up pending the outcome of an investigation.
 
Richard Kerbes with the SOS Elms Coalition wants the city to take a tougher stance. He said it’s another example of developers who view fines as nothing more than the cost of doing business in the city.
 
“They are dealing with a such a big budget that they don’t care if they take out a city tree,” said Kerbes.
 
“How big does the fine have to be before a developer would pay any attention to it?”
 
Ward 6 councilor Cynthia Block raised the issue at Monday’s city council meeting asking administration for clarification on the city’s bylaw.
 
Community Services Manager Randy Grauer said when city trees are unlawfully removed,  a cash value is determined and the property owner is billed.
 
Grauer noted cases are rare and they work with developers to shield street trees during construction projects.
 
Kerbes said beyond bylaws, more needs to be done to educate people about the value of trees. However, he understands the challenge that poses.
 
“If you got one owner who is more concerned about construction, about maximizing the size of his building. It’s a tough fight. How do you convince people that trees are precious?”
 
Approximately 65,000 trees are protected under the city’s bylaw, but Kerbes said there are no regulations for trees on private land.
 
— With files from Chris Vandenbreekel and Brent Bosker