Permit for tree removal, Pointe-ClaireThe City of Pointe-Claire is clearly stating its intention to address global change. One of the ways it does this is through its urban forestry policy, which is a cornerstone of a healthy living environment that respects the environment.
Trees have an important place in the city, given their links to water, air and soil, as well as to biodiversity. This concern extends to the zoning by-law, which stipulates an obligation to maintain and preserve trees in order to prolong their longevity. Also, as it should be, felling is restricted. So, even if you own your trees, you can't do whatever you want with them. Failure to comply with all legal requirements is punishable by fine. This page is provided for information purposes only regarding the application for a tree cutting permit in the City of St. Clair. However, there are many laws and regulations that affect tree cutting, including the Zoning By-law, and you should always refer to the official versions of these laws and regulations as well as the appropriate authorities for complete, current and accurate information. |
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Certificate of authorization for tree removal
A permit is required to cut down trees in Pointe-Claire. The permit is free and issued within 30 days. A tree cannot be cut down if it is 10 centimetres (4 inches) in diameter measured at 1 metre (3.3 feet) from the ground unless it is for reasons accepted in the by-law, in which case you must apply for a permit to cut down.
In addition, each tree cut to this size must be replaced by another tree, planted within one year of the issuance of the certificate of authorization or the completion of construction, unless there is a lack of space as determined in writing by the Director of the relevant department. The replacement tree must be selected from an established list of species and must meet the size and species requirements listed on the City of Pointe-Claire's online permit application page.
For more information on ash trees, please refer to this page and its various links: https://www.pointe-claire.ca/en/felling-treating-ash-trees/.
The removal of ash trees is mandatory when 30% of an EAB infested tree is dying. If these trees have a minimum diameter of 25 centimetres, a grant covers 50% of the cost of felling, up to a maximum of $500 per tree per year.
However, you must apply for a permit and an inspector will visit to authorize or not the felling. You can then send your receipts confirming your payment for the tree cutting work by email or in person at the City Hall's multi-service counter. You will need to provide your contact information and you will be reimbursed within 90 days for any covered expenses.
In addition, each tree cut to this size must be replaced by another tree, planted within one year of the issuance of the certificate of authorization or the completion of construction, unless there is a lack of space as determined in writing by the Director of the relevant department. The replacement tree must be selected from an established list of species and must meet the size and species requirements listed on the City of Pointe-Claire's online permit application page.
For more information on ash trees, please refer to this page and its various links: https://www.pointe-claire.ca/en/felling-treating-ash-trees/.
The removal of ash trees is mandatory when 30% of an EAB infested tree is dying. If these trees have a minimum diameter of 25 centimetres, a grant covers 50% of the cost of felling, up to a maximum of $500 per tree per year.
However, you must apply for a permit and an inspector will visit to authorize or not the felling. You can then send your receipts confirming your payment for the tree cutting work by email or in person at the City Hall's multi-service counter. You will need to provide your contact information and you will be reimbursed within 90 days for any covered expenses.
What are the acceptable reasons?
Acceptable reasons for cutting down a tree are when it is dead or expected to be dead within a year. Also, when the specimen poses a risk to persons or property or could fall when no other measures can prevent it. In addition, when the roots of a tree are seriously damaging public or private property, and an engineer who is a member of a professional order in Quebec certifies this, felling should be authorized.
Felling is also acceptable when a tree is infested by an insect or affected by an incurable disease and there is a risk of spreading to other plants in the area. In this case, an arborist must attest to this. However, special conditions apply for an infestation by the emerald ash borer. More broadly, any tree that is a nuisance to the growth of other large plants in better condition may be removed. Obviously, if the removal of a tree specimen is required for public utility work to take place, it will be permitted. Similarly, if tree cutting is required for construction projects, installation of permanent recreational equipment, paving of a surface or installation of underground infrastructure, if authorized by the City.
A tree cutting permit should also be accepted for a tree whose trunk is within 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) of the vertical projection of a building roof or within 1 metre (3.3 feet) of a paved surface or pool.
If the tree canopy (tree-covered area) of a backyard is greater than 75% of its surface, felling should be accepted up to the number of trees required to reach 50% coverage, in the interest of better sunlight. Trees in better condition should preferably be retained.
Special conditions may exist in specific cases, e.g. for a tree growing in the bank of a water body.
Reasons concerning simple disturbances are not admissible. This includes, for example, twigs, falling leaves or flowers, roots protruding from the surface, bad smells or sap flow, etc.
Felling is also acceptable when a tree is infested by an insect or affected by an incurable disease and there is a risk of spreading to other plants in the area. In this case, an arborist must attest to this. However, special conditions apply for an infestation by the emerald ash borer. More broadly, any tree that is a nuisance to the growth of other large plants in better condition may be removed. Obviously, if the removal of a tree specimen is required for public utility work to take place, it will be permitted. Similarly, if tree cutting is required for construction projects, installation of permanent recreational equipment, paving of a surface or installation of underground infrastructure, if authorized by the City.
A tree cutting permit should also be accepted for a tree whose trunk is within 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) of the vertical projection of a building roof or within 1 metre (3.3 feet) of a paved surface or pool.
If the tree canopy (tree-covered area) of a backyard is greater than 75% of its surface, felling should be accepted up to the number of trees required to reach 50% coverage, in the interest of better sunlight. Trees in better condition should preferably be retained.
Special conditions may exist in specific cases, e.g. for a tree growing in the bank of a water body.
Reasons concerning simple disturbances are not admissible. This includes, for example, twigs, falling leaves or flowers, roots protruding from the surface, bad smells or sap flow, etc.
Preparation of documents for the certificate application
Certain information and documents relevant to the specifics of your situation must accompany your permit application. You will find them by filling out the online application or in the Permits and Certificates By-law available on the City of Sainte-Claire's website.
How to submit your application
Applications for tree cutting permits are made online using the tree cutting permit form, which must be accompanied by the Tree Location Plan form. The form entitled Common Tree(s) Letter may also be useful in some cases. In the latter case, you must have written authorization from the neighbor on whose property the trunk of the tree to be cut down is encroaching. Links to all three documents can be found on the Residential Permit Information page of the City of Pointe-Claire website. Applications can also be completed at the City Hall multi-service counter. Various contact information is provided in the following section.
Point of service for felling permit applications in Pointe-Claire
The City Hall multi-service counter can be reached at communications@pointe-claire.ca or 514 630-1200.
Normally, the counter is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. However, it would be wise to check by phone to make sure there are no changes.
City Hall is located at 451 Boulevard Saint-Jean, Pointe-Claire, Quebec H9R 3J3. An online contact form is also available on the Contact Us page of the City of Sainte-Claire website.
You can also contact the Public Works Department at 514-630-1230 and the Urban Planning Department at 514-630-1206. contact
Normally, the counter is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. However, it would be wise to check by phone to make sure there are no changes.
City Hall is located at 451 Boulevard Saint-Jean, Pointe-Claire, Quebec H9R 3J3. An online contact form is also available on the Contact Us page of the City of Sainte-Claire website.
You can also contact the Public Works Department at 514-630-1230 and the Urban Planning Department at 514-630-1206. contact
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