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Trees are good for the environment and for people

The following letter was sent to Delta council with a copy to Delta Optimist. Your worship and council: I think it behooves all of those at Delta to ask, “What about Trees?” Is Coun.

The following letter was sent to Delta council with a copy to Delta Optimist.

Your worship and council:

I think it behooves all of those at Delta to ask, “What about Trees?”

Is Coun. Lois Jackson the only one who speaks up in efforts to prevent healthy mature trees from being chopped down whenever a developer steps forth and asks for this?

I cannot believe that a swimming pool development takes precedence over trees, for example.

Coun. Bruce McDonald reminded the public about Delta’s two for one tree policy.

If the spindly tree that was planted by the city on boulevard in front of our home is an example of what is being planted then I say it is time to let mature trees remain and to have developers work around them. In my case two trees were removed because large trunks were coming off in high wind storms and thus endangering children using the sidewalk to reach South Park Elementary. The trees should never have been planted so close to a busy intersections in the first place, as well as under BC Hydro lines. Years of improper topping also contributed to the trees eventual demise. I did ask for two small replacement trees but was only granted one by the way.

In contrast, most of the tree removals that I read about lately are for the sake of higher density projects to proceed…projects that will line the pockets of developers.

This is disheartening, to say the least. (to wit Maple Leaf Homes proposal at 8A and 53rd Streets which has removed over 70 trees; the upcoming 40 unit proposal in Ladner requires tree removal, Beach Grove townhome proposal,  and many two for one proposals, etc.)

Trees are good for the environment and for people. Trees add beauty to communities. I suggest that it’s time that developers be asked to limit or avoid entirely removal of healthy and mature trees, especially those of rarer species.     

I appreciate hearing any councillor speak in favor of tree protection.

I do not think another councillor should berate anyone for so doing. Everyone has a right to voice his or her opinion and everyone deserves respect when so doing.

Jean Wightman