Tree clearing across Chatham-Kent has been halted for another 120 days as the municipality looks further into improving local tree coverage.
On Monday night, council approved to extend a temporary bylaw prohibiting the clear-cutting of woodlots within Chatham-Kent and that a Natural Heritage Advisory Committee of Council is established.
More than a dozen deputations about the issue were read at the beginning of the meeting, many of which encouraged council to pass the recommendations municipal staff presented at the meeting.
While the discussion on the issue didn't bring council to a final decision, the municipality will continue its process before revisiting the temporary bylaw on December 14, 2021.
Councillor Melissa Harrigan supported the extension of the temporary clear-cutting bylaw, citing the fact that the municipality is still in the process of gathering information.
"Tonight is a time to acknowledge the extensive work that's been done by staff and engagement by citizens," said Harrigan. "Allowing us to wait until we see this data and understand what sort of action the heritage committee could bring forward, does demonstrate that as a council we are willing to wait and make decisions that are long-lasting in our community."
Mark Peacock, the Lower Thames Valley’s chief administrative officer and secretary-treasurer, said council can expect a time study of the region's tree canopy and natural cover, as well as how it evolved over the last decade.
"I think that's the missing piece," said Harrigan. "We owe it to ourselves to have the right information as we go forward."
However, Councillor Anthony Ceccacci wasn't quick to support both of the recommendations, expressing that he was on the fence regarding the issue.
"I am one of the councillors who are very much in the middle of the yellow aspect, where I see both sides and I am on the fence," said Ceccacci."Very good points have been made on both sides."
While Councillor Michael Bondy was in support of both recommendations, he said he felt the Monday night discussion was a waste of time.
"I really think we have kind of wasted our time in a way because tonight's not the night, we are just asking for an extension," said Bondy. "I am disappointed in the way this has played out."
Councillor Aaron Hall ended the discussion, reiterating council to support both parts of the motion, citing the fact that environmental sustainability was a priority of the council.
"We have a lot of important work to do and I think this is a safe way to continue it,” said Hall.
Council members will consider the terms of reference for a Natural Heritage Advisory Committee of Council at the next meeting on September 27, 2021.
