The Editor,
Re: Port Coquitlam residents 'shocked' city is cutting down large trees for downtown project (March 17, 2022)
I am copying a letter I sent to a local environment organization a couple of days ago in a desperate attempt to stop the tragic tree cutting at Port Coquitlam city hall.
I am reaching out to you with respect to some beautiful, priceless (in our minds), long-standing shade trees that the City of Port Coquitlam is cutting down to follow through with a plan proposed just last week at a council meeting.
I have reached out to the mayor and the city to find out if we had missed opportunity for public input and they could not direct me to any public consultation with respect to the trees.
Last night, we observed the first three trees that were cut down — beautiful trees that have been in front of PoCo city hall for as long as I have lived here (over 40 years).
These trees are valuable in so many ways.
For residents, particularly pedestrians, they provide shade and shelter as we traverse the downtown core in our daily lives.
The shade is of greater importance now than ever with increasing heat and heat waves as they provide shade for many, some more vulnerable than others.
There are many seniors in this area who walk to do their shopping and the shady benches are necessary rest stops.
I visit our downtown core as a pedestrian almost every day, sometimes two or three times depending upon what I am doing (i.e., walking my dog, visiting local businesses and professionals offices, etc.).
The trees are full of birds and wildlife, particularly squirrels, and are a joy for everyone who passes through the area.
We have always commended the city on its amazing green spaces and garden areas; they are beautiful and designed to bring nature into the city.
We are shocked at this quickly passed proposed plan with immediate implementation and lack of regard for the effect this will have upon many people in our daily lives as residents in the downtown area.
From the shocked reactions of others at the tree cutting, most people are not aware of the tree removal plan, and we feel would likely oppose it if the city asked.
We feel, at the very least, that residents and local nature organizations should be made aware and have an opportunity for input before this goes any further.
I can hear the machinery chopping up the trees as I write this. It's a very sad day.
The city is removing 21 trees and planting 40+ "replacements," which are more like large twigs that will not provide shade for 10 or 20 years or more.
- Caron Graham, Port Coquitlam
