[Great68]

Does Vancouver not require tree replacement if a new development needs to take out existing trees?

Saanich & Victoria are super strict on this.
Besides special protections for some species (Arbutus, Garry Oak, Dogwood, Yew, Fir, Maple, Western Red Cedar), ANY species of tree that's over 60cm in diameter at breast height is a also automatically protected.

And they will review any development application and will only allow these trees to be removed if absolutely necessary. AND if it is necessary, the trees must be replaced on the property at a 2:1 ratio.

I have a Deodar Cedar tree in my back yard that's close to the 50cm mark that I'm watching and considering cutting down at the 59cm mark just so it doesn't cross that protected status line.

Trees are great, but they're a fucking mess. I'm constantly raking the cones and needles of the Deodar, it'll fill 12 of those 120l rubbermaid garbage bins with shit it drops per year. The best thing about my yard is that the big oak trees surrounding my are all in my neighbour's yards. I get to look at them, they get the lawn full of acorns and shit to deal with.