Policy Statement:
"The City of Toronto has implemented by-laws to protect trees on both public and private lands in recognition of the multitude of social, economic and environmental benefits trees provide and as a means of protecting and enhancing the City's natural heritage. Through its Official Plan policies and various tree protection by-laws, the City of Toronto has demonstrated its desire and intent to protect healthy trees. In particular, the City recognizes that long-lived, large-growing, tree species are an important component of a healthy, diverse urban forest. These trees are, therefore, regarded and recognized as a priority for protection and staff will work in communities to encourage responsible development that protects these and other significant trees."

Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) which has devastated ash trees in southwestern Ontario and parts of the United States since its discovery in Detroit, Michigan in 2002, has been detected in the City of Toronto. The EAB is an introduced insect pest from Asia that attacks and kills all species of ash (genus: Fraxinus) trees. Learn more.

Gypsy Moth
The European Gypsy Moth is an introduced defoliating insect that is considered a major pest in North America.The caterpillar, or larva stage of the insect, eats the leaves of trees making them more susceptible to disease and damage from other insects. Learn more.

Asian Long-Horned Beetle
The Asian Long-Horned Beetle (ALHB) which has devastated the tree canopies in parts of New York City and Chicago since the late 1990's was discovered September 2003 in parts of the City of Toronto and the City of Vaughan.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the City of Toronto, the City of Vaughan and other partners, are implementing an aggressive campaign to identify infested locations and eradicate the ALHB. This is the first confirmed infestation of Asian Long-Horned Beetle attacking trees in Canada. Click here for more information on the Asian Long-horned Beetle in Greater Toronto.

The regulated place includes the area bordered in the north by Rutherford Road; in the east by Dufferin Street and Allen Road; in the south by Hwy. 401 and Hwy. 409; and in the west by Hwy. 27. Maps of the regulated and generally infestated areas can by viewed by the following links (Regulated Area Map / Generally Infestated Area Map).

There are now prohibitions or restrictions of movement on nursery stock, trees, leaves, logs, lumber, wood, wood chips and bark chips from certain deciduous trees identified as hosts of the ALHB and firewood of all species. Unless authorized by a Movement Certificate issued by the CFIA, their movement out of or through the regulated area is prohibited. This is necessary to prevent the spread of the ALHB throughout Toronto and the rest of Ontario and Canada.

The CFIA and the City of Toronto are also asking the public's help in watching for the insect and signs of infestation. If you find a live insect, please do not remove it from the area and call the CFIA immediately at 1-800-442-2342. Please call the CFIA at this number if you have any questions.

For more information about the ALHB, including pictures of the insect and signs of infestation, visit the CFIA Web page at http://www.inspection.gc.ca or here for a direct link to ALHB update.