Developer cleared to start chopping down trees before nesting begins

New Tecumseth Free Press Online

BG Properties Inc has approval to undertake earthworks and clearing trees from its 560 unit residential Willow Glen subdivision in Tottenham.

The earthworks agreement, ratified last night by council, permits the developer to remove trees prior to April 15, before the nesting of migratory birds. Tree compensation payable to the Town is $78,955.

“The request is to allow the trees on the property to be removed in advance of the breeding bird season for the protection of nests, eggs and young as set out by the federal Migratory Bird Convention Act,” according to the staff report to council. “Stage one of Earthworks Agreement will consist of approval for the developer cutting and disposing of the trees across their entire 29.26 (hectares) developable site. The stumps of the trees will be left in place and no clearing, grubbing or soil disturbing activities will occur in stage one.”

Willow Glen will be a mix of single/semi detached dwellings, townhouses, one apartment block, three environmental protection areas, one storm management/wetland block, two parkland blocks, and one commercial block.