Tree first, development next...

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The current Tree Protection bylaw and its limited enforcement by the city have allowed for an unprecedented destruction of Oak Bay's urban forest.  The protection needs some teeth.

1. Review bylaws to enhance the protection of the environment, and especially of trees
2. Do a inventory of significant trees and update the (very short) list already attached to the Tree Bylaw
3. Give tree protection a higher priority in municipal policies and procedures 
   
4. New developments must be designed to fit with existing trees, not "vise-versa"
   
5. Substantially increase fines and penalties for violations so they are not just treated as a cheap cost of doing business
   
6. Maintain an independent "Environmental Committee"
   
7. Encourage clear guidelines and standards for tree protection
8. Develop Incentives schemes for "green" developments 
   
9. Adequate funding for boulevard and shoreline enhancement
   
10. Ongoing community engagement