The Felling of trees near lakes or water
courses within the protected zones (10 and 15 metres)

Any person wishing to fell commercial quality trees of a diameter greater than 10 cm’s measured at 130 cm’s above the level of the soil within in a defined zone shall, prior to undertaking such work obtain a certificate of authorization :

• Particular zones with pronounced slopes.
• Felling of trees along designated roads.
  ( The sections of such roads that are within the urban perimeter are not subject to these provisions).
• Harvesting of wood or of endangered species.
• The major agro-forestry allotments as defined in the Land Use Plan.
• The major recreational allotments R1 as defined in the Land Use Plan.

Deforestation in urban areas
Within the urbanized perimeter, as shown on the zoning plan, deforestation is forbidden on any land except under  the following circumstances :

1.  the deforestation must of necessity be carried out as part of a public works project or on municipal industrial land;
2. within the right of way of a planned street if an agreement (protocol) has been signed in conformity with the by-laws regulating the opening of streets or the construction of infrastructure projects or other municipal services ;
3. the property covers an area equal to or less than 5 000 m² and is adjacent to an existing street or road. The deforestation of such property must be carried out on a maximum of five (5) construction lot groupings;
4. notwithstanding the above, a sanitation or clearing cut to a maximum of 30% of the stems (of more than 10cm’s at 1.3cm’s from the soil) is permitted every ten years.

• The feeling of a tree on public property is strictly forbidden (unless otherwise authorized).
•  Land situated in the zones covered by a Site Planning and Architectural  Integration Programme (P.I.I.A) are subject to certain restrictions, and as such a certificate of authorization is required.

The Planting of Trees
The planting of trees is subject to the following guidelines:

• The planting of Lombardy Poplars, White Poplars, Canada Poplars, Weeping Willows, Silver Maples and American Elms is forbidden within 8 m of street rights of way and 4 m of any property line.
• All other species, except for hedges, shall be planted  at a distance of 1.5 m from the property line of any street right of way.
• In all residential zones, unless a tree has already been planted on the site of a  new  main building, a tree of a minimum height of 2.5 m, with a diameter of 5 cm at 30 cm’s from the level of the soil for  deciduous trees and 1.50 m in height  for a conifer shall be planted and maintained in the front yard.

City Planning Department
172, rue du Nord, Cowansville, Québec, J2K 2L5
Phone: 450-263-0277
Fax : 450-263-3691
Email : mmoreau@ville.cowansville.qc.ca

Office Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to noon and 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.