Trees | City of Orillia

Trees are a vital part of Orillia's natural environment. To help preserve this valuable resource, the City's Tree Conservation By-Law regulates tree removal within the City of Orillia.

A permit is required when a person wants to destroy, injure, or cause or permit to be destroyed or injured, any tree with a diameter at breast height greater than 5 centimetres, on properties greater than 0.5 hectare (1.23 acres). 

Learn which trees are native to our area using Ontario's tree atlas.

Tree removal application

To purchase a permit for tree removal, complete the tree removal application online. An arborist report is required for submission. Fees apply as outlined in the user fees. Exemptions may apply, refer to Tree Conservation By-law.

Call before you dig

You must submit a locate request to Ontario One Call so you can dig safely. The service is free.

Submit a locate request to Ontario One Call

Bench and Tree Donation Program

The Bench and Tree Donation Program increases public enjoyment and participation in Orillia's beautiful parks. If you would like to have your application considered, please review the guidelines and fill out the application (below) and submit online to enviroservices@orillia.ca  or print and mail/deliver to the Orillia City Centre or Municipal Operations Centre (see application for address locations).

Benches and trees are ideal gifts for your favourite park and a great way to recognize someone or a group. Best of all, your donation helps support city parks. Bench and tree donations are tax deductible; an official receipt will be issued by the City of Orillia.

Couchiching Beach Park, Veteran's Park and J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park can no longer accept applications for benches at this time, and we encourage the public to apply to place a bench in one of our many other parks in the City of Orillia.

Tree donations

Trees are planted in the spring and fall. Requests for spring planting must be received by March 1; requests for fall plantings must be received by August 1. The tree species and varieties are selected based on the park and location. The City Arborist will help select a tree that suits the desired location.

 How to make your bench or tree donation:

Fill out an application and submit online to enviroservices@orillia.ca or print and mail/deliver to the City of Orillia - Bench and Tree Donation Program (see application for prices and locations).

Once the application is received, it will be reviewed and upon approval, applicant will be contacted to arrange donation payment. Donations can be made by cash, cheque (payable to City of Orillia) or debit card (credit card is not accepted) at the City Centre (50 Andrew St. S.).

Once payment has been received, you may be called to arrange for an on-site meeting with park staff for bench and/or tree location.

For questions related to this program contact the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department at 705-329-7249 or enviroservices@orillia.ca.

Bench and Tree Donation Guidelines Bench and Tree Donation Application