In June 2025, RMOW Council adopted the Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2435, 2025 – and we want to understand the effectiveness of the Bylaw. Whether you're a resident, arborist, landscaper, ecologist, developer, or simply passionate about Whistler’s trees and urban forest, we want to hear your insights.

Specifically, we are seeking feedback on the Bylaw’s technical details, its practical aspects and its overall effectiveness for the community – so we can identify opportunities for improvement.

The purpose of the Tree Protection Bylaw is to provide current, comprehensive and effective tree regulations to help manage and maintain a healthy urban forest and a safe, resilient community.

• This bylaw applies to all trees in Whistler greater than 15 centimeters in diameter at breast height (DBH), plus trees of any size in riparian areas (near streams, lakes & wetlands).
• Tree cutting permits are only required in the following cases (further exemptions may apply):
  • Cutting a Significant Tree (defined below in survey)
  • Cutting a tree in a riparian area
  • Cutting below the Tree Density Minimum (defined in the survey) on a subject lot.
• Permit exemptions cover activities such as:
  • cutting dangerous trees (I.e. assessed as High Risk by a qualified professional)
  • removing invasive species
  • limited pruning or limbing to remedy a safety risk, reduce wildfire risk, support tree health or provide reasonable clearance around a structure
  • limited cutting of trees <30cm DBH within 20 metres of the Highway 99 right-of-way for wildfire risk reduction.
• Tree cutting permits may require replacement trees.
• Significant Trees must be protected from potential construction damage.

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Take the Tree Protection Bylaw questionnaire before April 1, 2026. Your feedback will be used to shape recommended changes to this bylaw.