Main bylaws of the City of McMasterville regarding trees

Tree Removal Planting

Tree Removal

You must obtain a certificate of authorization (tree cutting permit) from the municipality of McMasterville before cutting a tree with a trunk diameter of more than ten (10) centimeters, measured at one (1) meter from the ground.

Tree cutting in the Town of McMasterville may be authorized for one of the following reasons:

• The tree is dead;
• The tree is dangerous for the safety of persons;
• The tree causes damage to public or private property;
• The tree causes damage to public or private property or interferes with the maintenance of public equipment;
• The tree must necessarily be cut for the realization of a construction or landscaping project authorized by the municipality's bylaws;
• The tree is cut due to poor location.

Anyone who commits an offense by cutting a tree illegally on the territory of the municipality of McMasterville is liable to a minimum fine of $500, plus additional costs based on the lot area.

Ash Tree Removal

The certificate of authorization is free of charge when it concerns cutting an ash tree in the Town of McMasterville.

The ideal period for cutting ash trees is from October 1st to March 15th since the emerald ash borer is dormant during this time. The insect is in hibernation during this period, which considerably reduces the risks of spreading the emerald ash borer.

For more information regarding the regulations on ash cutting, we suggest you contact the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Department of the Town of McMasterville directly at 450 467-3580.

Certificate of Authorization (tree cutting Permit) for Tree Removal

The Town of McMasterville suggests applying for a permit 45 days in advance to ensure that the analysis request will be carried out as promptly as possible.

To apply for a tree cutting permit, the following information is required:

• Location certificate indicating the location of the tree(s) to be cut or a sketch;
• Diameter of the tree, its species, and the number of trees to be cut;
• Images clearly justifying the reasons for cutting as well as a brief description;
• Complete contact information of the applicant and the owner.

Several means are at your disposal to obtain your cutting permit from the Town of McMasterville:

• You can submit an online permit request;
• You can send all the documents requested above as well as the required form by email to the following address: dir.urbanisme@mcmasterville.ca;
• You can also appear at City Hall at 255 Constable Boulevard, with all required documents and the completed form.

For any questions regarding the certificate of authorization application (tree cutting permit), you can contact the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Department of the Town of McMasterville at 450 467-3580 or by email at the following address: info@mcmasterville.ca.

Planting

Any tree felled on the territory of the Town of McMasterville must be replaced by a new tree.

The replacement tree must have a diameter of at least five (5) centimeters, measured at 1.5 m from the ground, at the time of planting. It is not necessary to plant a new tree if there is at least one (1) tree for every eight (8) linear meters in the front yard and if there is at least one (1) tree per five hundred (500) square meters of lot area.

Every replacement tree must be planted in the front yard, unless there is already one (1) tree every eight (8) linear meters as required by the municipal bylaw or if there is a constraint preventing the planting of a new tree.

It is prohibited to plant the following tree species on the territory of the municipality of McMasterville:

It is still possible to plant these tree varieties, but the following minimum distances must be respected:

• 15 meters from any side lot line and any building;
• 1.5 meters from the rear lot line;
• 10 meters from the public right-of-way and from the center line of a water main, sewer, or storm drain.

It is prohibited to plant a tree within two (2) meters of a fire hydrant.

Any tree planting near the public right-of-way or water and sewer service entries must be located at a minimum distance of:

• 1 m from the public right-of-way;
• 2 m from water and sewer service entries.

Work Near Hydro-Québec Power Lines

We can undertake cutting and pruning work only near telecommunication wires or low-voltage wires. Please note that we are not authorized by Hydro-Québec for work to be performed near medium-voltage power lines and near electricity distribution networks. For more information on this subject, we suggest you consult the Aerial network section of our website. You will also find the procedure to help you find a company mandated by Hydro-Québec for this type of service.

Municipality of McMasterville

255 Constable Blvd.
McMasterville, Quebec
J3G 6N9
450 467-3580
info@mcmasterville.ca
mcmasterville.ca

Please note that the information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and has no force of law or legal value. For further information or to verify current regulations, please contact the municipality.