Maple Ridge, B.C., May 14, 2026 — The City of Maple Ridge has adopted a new Tree Protection and Management Bylaw that strengthens tree protection, updates permit requirements, and supports Council's goals for a more liveable, climate-resilient community. Aligned with recent Fees and Charges Bylaw amendments, the updated bylaw improves clarity, and consistency for urban forest management.
As one of the region's fastest-growing communities, Maple Ridge is balancing housing and development needs with protecting and expanding the urban forest to continue to provide shade, cleaner air, stormwater management, and carbon storage over the long term.
"This updated bylaw is an important step in protecting one of Maple Ridge's most valuable natural assets," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "By strengthening protections for healthy and mature trees while requiring more replacement tree planting when removals are necessary, Maple Ridge is taking meaningful action to support climate resilience and the long-term health of our community."
The updated tree bylaw advances key actions identified in Maple Ridge's Urban Forest Management Plan, endorsed by Council in July 2024 following extensive community engagement and consultation.
Key Updates
The updated bylaw better protects healthy, mature trees while allowing removals where appropriate, such as for hazard trees or infrastructure conflicts. With nearly half of Maple Ridge's tree canopy on private land, the City has taken a balanced approach by strengthening protection while recognizing the different needs of residential and development-related tree removals.
Key updates include:
- increasing replacement tree requirements when trees are removed
- providing clearer definitions and updated bylaw language
- expanded arborist reporting requirements
- lower thresholds for Tree Management Plans on development sites
Cash-in-lieu payments and forfeited securities collected under the bylaw will continue to be directed to the City's tree reserve fund to support tree planting and stewardship of the urban forest.
Fee Updates
In April the City provided notice that some tree permit fees within the Fees and Charges Bylaw would be added or revised to support reinvestment in the urban forest. The updated fee structure:
- establishes a residential stream and a development stream for tree permit applications
- simplifies a previously complex fee system
- maintains an application fee for first residential tree removal ($70); additional trees $100 each
- sets a development application base fee of $300, plus $100 per tree applied for removal
- increases the replacement tree security deposit
- introduces new fees, including:
- re-inspection fee ($150)
- permit change fee ($100)
Supporting the Urban Forest Management Plan
The updated bylaw reflects public feedback from the Urban Forest Management Plan, where 82% of Phase 2 respondents identified stronger bylaws, policies, and guidelines as a high priority. With almost half of Maple Ridge's tree canopy on private land, the Tree Bylaw is a key tool in achieving Council's goal of 40% tree canopy cover by 2050. It also supports actions in the City's Climate Action Plan, Resilient Future 2050 and aligns with current urban forestry practices and regional approaches.
Learn More
To raise awareness of the new bylaw requirements and fees, the City is hosting a public open house for residents and an industry information session for arborists and landscapers. The open house will take place on Monday, May 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Fraser Room at Maple Ridge Library, 22470 Dewdney Trunk Road. No registration is required. Those interested in attending the industry session can contact the City's Urban Forestry team at UrbanForestry@MapleRidge.ca.
For more information about the newly adopted Tree Protection & Management Bylaw, visit MapleRidge.ca/TreeBylaw.
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Media Contact
Anna Lilly, Director External Relations
T 672-275-1241 C 604-505-9048
E Media@MapleRidge.ca