Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability is important to our community's health. Our actions have an impact on the environment around us. The Region of Waterloo embraces environmental considerations in all of its decisions. Ensuring clean air, water and land is important to maintaining a healthy Waterloo Region for our future. For information about environmental-related programs and projects at the Region, visit the following areas:
Environmental Strategy and Initiatives
The Region is committed to ensuring a healthy natural environment with clean air, water and land.
The Environmental Sustainability Strategy ensures that environmental consideration is incorporated into the Region's decision-making. It outlines a process for establishing targets in all program areas that have a significant impact on the environment.
Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship is an important part of the Region of Waterloo's Environmental Sustainability Strategy. This includes protecting and managing the 16 forest systems owned by the Region, and overseeing the Conservation of Trees in Woodlands By-law, also known as the Tree By-Law.
The Tree By-Law regulates tree cutting in private and public woodlots throughout Waterloo Region. It was passed by Regional Council after two years of research and consultation with wildlife experts, industry professionals, environmental groups and members of the public.
Under this By-Law, a permit is needed from the Region to harvest trees in woodlots of one hectare or more. The purpose of the By-Law is to promote good forestry practices and protect woodlots, but also to restrict harvesting times and methods in order to protect breeding habitats.
Learn more about the Region's Forests and Woodlands Conservation.
