The Editor,
By now, Port Coquitlam residents will be aware that the new recreation complex has come at a high cost, not just financially, but also for the trees. While I am not against the development of a new rec centre, I am disappointed that more effort was not made to preserve the trees on the site and have them included in the planning.
Among the 122 trees that will be cut down is an 18 m Douglas fir, identified as a significant tree in the city’s tree bylaw due to its size and species. Unfortunately, this essentially means nothing as the tree bylaw also indicates significant trees can be removed for construction and in this case, the significant tree is “in the way.”
My understanding is that the Port Coquitlam tree bylaw will soon be coming up for review, and this is one of several areas I hope to see changed.
As for the other 121 trees, is their removal really necessary? Could we not have retained many of the beautiful trees, especially those that stand on areas where new trees are to be planted? I have been informed that this is not possible, in part due to a driveway that will be built to allow those with mobility issues to have easier access to the facility.
Why were suggestions to look at alternatives that could prevent the removal of the sequoia trees while providing better access — including a roundabout instead of a horseshoe driveway, an S-turn around the sequoias or even a drive thru drop off along Wilson where a parking lot is planned — not considered?
A number of community members attended the council meeting earlier this month to express our concerns and ask questions about the trees scheduled to be cut down. I sincerely hope that this is what we will see when the tree bylaw comes up for review.
Jane Thomsing,
Port Coquitlam
