Fined over $1,200

Homeowners accused of cutting dead ash tree back in court January 24

The Aylmer couple contesting a fine for having cut a dead ash tree have refused a deal from the city and are heading back to court.

“We were offered last year (a deal) to pay half of the fine, which has reached $1,200, so about $600, but we refused. Accepting the deal would have meant we were guilty, and we don’t want that,” said Nadine Proulx, co-owner of 226 rue des Fondateurs. “Because there were too many court cases, we were unable to present our case in front of a judge last time and so our trial was rescheduled to January 24.”

As reported in the Bulletin last fall, Ms Proulx received a $879 fine in February 2016, from Gatineau’s environmental department for cutting down the dead tree without a permit. The homeowners pleaded not-guilty, raising the fine to over $900; apparently, the fine has continued to augment since.

The homeowners are arguing that they in fact were asked by the city to cut down the dead tree, which had become a danger in 2014. The ash tree was finally brought down in November 2015.

Since felling the dead tree the family has planted a new tree in their front yard to replace it.

The city has declined to comment to the Bulletin on an unresolved case. The city’s tree policy states that “any person wishing to cut down a tree on their property must obtain a certificate of authorization from Gatineau.” A permit can be authorized if the tree is dead or sick.