Port Hope is one step closer to formally recognizing the importance of protecting its urban tree canopy following a lengthy debate at Committee of the Whole.
Committee members voted 4-3 in favour of an amended motion endorsing three fundamental principles recognizing the rights of trees. Before the vote, councillors agreed to remove references to the “Universal Declaration of the Rights of Trees,” leaving the motion focused on the principles themselves rather than the declaration by name.
Mayor Olena Hankivsky, who introduced the motion, argued trees should be viewed as critical municipal assets alongside roads, buildings and other infrastructure.
Hankivsky said mature trees provide benefits ranging from improved air quality and flood mitigation to cooling neighbourhoods during extreme heat, while supporting council’s broader climate commitments.
The debate focused less on whether trees deserve protection and more on how council should recognize that value.
Councillor Vicki Mink said she supports protecting and expanding Port Hope’s tree canopy, but questioned whether an international-style declaration was the appropriate municipal policy tool.
Support for the motion also came from Alderville First Nation.
Liz Stone, First Nations Manager for Alderville, delivered a statement on behalf of Chief Tanner Simpson, calling the initiative an important step toward recognizing the rights of nature.
Several councillors proposed amendments during the discussion, ultimately agreeing to remove references to the Universal Declaration while retaining the motion’s core principles.
Committee approved the amended motion by a 4-3 vote.
The recommendation will now go before Port Hope council for final approval on July 21.
