The Editor,
Re. “Wind storm takes a life” (The Tri-City News, March 11).
The tragic incident in Port Moody of a fallen tree causing death is a shocking eye-opener and should give rise to changes in existing bylaws as to how municipalities and arbourists judge tall trees close to people’s homes.
Whether these trees are situated on city or private property, there needs to be a law as to a safe height.
I love tall trees and respect the present tree preservation bylaws as shrubs and trees are needed to sequester pollution. But when tall trees become a threat to people’s homes and lives, then measures need to be taken to reduce their height, or in some cases, have them taken down before they can fall.
A tree is easily replaced but a life is not.
This should be an incentive for municipalities to revise their tree preservation bylaws, which, in return, should be supported by the public.
The heavy storms that have passed through the Lower Mainland in recent years have proven to be a menace and it would be wise to take precautionary measures not to have the Port Moody tragedy repeated.
Brie Oishi, Port Coquitlam
