Hastings County Looking to Pass By-Law Restricting Tree Cutting on Private Property

A new forestry by-law dealing with tree cutting on private property may be coming into effect as soon as Thursday in Hastings County.

Bancroft Councillor Barry McGibbon says it could be one of the biggest changes in the county in terms of control over private property.

Essentially the by-law states if you own over 10 acres of land and you’d like to remove trees commercially you would need to report to a by-law officer.

McGibbon says it’s also a matter of cost as it could mean residents would have to hire a licensed forester for removal.

He says what it comes down to is it takes a right from a landowner.

McGibbon is calling for public input on the subject before county passes it.