One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Simcoe County is whether they need a permit before removing a tree from their own property. The answer — as with most things in Ontario municipal law — is "it depends on where you live." Tree removal permit requirements are set at the municipal level in Ontario, which means the rules in Barrie are different from Tiny Township, which are different again from Wasaga Beach or Midland. Getting it wrong can result in fines ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. This guide covers the specific regulations for the municipalities we serve most frequently.
Barrie's Tree Preservation By-law
The City of Barrie has one of the more active tree preservation by-laws in Simcoe County. Under By-law 2018-164, a permit is required to remove any tree with a trunk diameter of 20 centimetres (approximately 8 inches) or more, measured at 1.4 metres above ground, on private property within the urban boundary. Exemptions include dead trees (must still notify the city), trees posing an imminent hazard to persons or property, and trees being removed as part of an approved development application. Permit fees are relatively modest — typically $50–$150 — but the replacement tree requirements can be significant. Barrie often requires one or more replacement trees to be planted, or a cash-in-lieu payment to the city's tree fund. Fines for removing a tree without a required permit can reach $100,000 for individuals under the Municipal Act.Township of Tiny
Tiny Township does not currently have a comprehensive private tree cutting by-law that applies to individual residential lots in the same way Barrie does. However, properties within the Severn Sound Environmental Association area, properties near the shoreline, or lots within areas governed by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) or the Severn Sound Environmental Association may still require permits or approvals — particularly for trees within 30 metres of a watercourse or wetland. If your property in Tiny backs onto Georgian Bay, a creek, or a designated wetland, check with the NVCA before removing trees. Conservation Authority fines for unauthorized cutting near regulated areas can be substantial.Wasaga Beach
The Town of Wasaga Beach has a tree cutting by-law that primarily applies to properties within specific zoning areas. Wasaga Beach's environmental protection areas — particularly those near the Nottawasaga River and the beach dune system — carry additional restrictions enforced through both the municipal by-law and Conservation Authority regulations. Homeowners in the Allenwood, Woodland Beach, and riverfront areas should be especially careful. A permit may be required for trees over 15 cm in diameter depending on your zone.Midland, Penetanguishene, and Springwater
These municipalities have less restrictive private tree removal policies for individual residential lots. However, the NVCA and the Severn Sound Environmental Association regulations still apply to properties near watercourses, wetlands, and environmentally significant areas. If you're unsure whether your property falls within a regulated area, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority's online mapping tool can help you check.When a Permit Is Definitely Not Required
Across all Simcoe County municipalities, you generally do not need a permit in the following situations:- Removing a tree that is confirmed dead (no living tissue)
- Removing a tree that poses an immediate, documented safety hazard
- Removing trees under the minimum diameter threshold specified in the local by-law
- Routine pruning that does not remove more than 30% of the live canopy
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Penalties for removing trees without a required permit in Ontario range from moderate to severe:- Municipal by-law fines: $500–$100,000 depending on the municipality and the number and size of trees removed
- Conservation Authority fines: Up to $50,000 per offence under the Conservation Authorities Act for unauthorized work in regulated areas
- Replacement requirements: Courts and municipalities may require you to plant replacement trees at a ratio of 3:1 or higher, at your expense
How Axe & Wedge Handles Permitting
As qualified arborists who work across Simcoe County every day, we know the by-law landscape in every municipality we serve. When we provide a free on-site quote, we'll advise you on whether a permit is required for your specific tree and location. For jobs that do require permits, we can handle the application process on your behalf so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy yourself. We've completed thousands of tree removals across Barrie, Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny, Wasaga Beach, Oro-Medonte, Springwater, and beyond — backed by 583 five-star Google reviews. Call 705-540-0760 or request a free quote.For a broader look at Ontario-wide regulations, see our related post: <a href="/blog/do-you-need-a-permit-to-remove-a-tree-in-ontario">Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Ontario?</a>
