Tragic tree loss
Dear Duncan mayor and councillors:
We lament the loss of mature trees on the development site at 930, 940, and 950 Government St.
There is a sizeable stump left after one of the site’s trees was chopped during current development of a two-storey, primary-care clinic. Surely trees on the site’s fringe could have worked into a cogent landscaping plan beside the neighbouring St. Andrew’s Church and the CVOLC building.
This site has had years of time for local input about tree loss and other threats to this long-time residential area.
We wonder if Duncan's tree-protection bylaw applies to this site owned by Tectonica? If so, why were these trees allowed to be cut?
Was an independent arborist hired by the city — not by Tectonica — to assess the health of these trees?
Is Tectonica’s development permit awaiting council’s approval? If so, we implore council to make tree protection a stipulation of its issuance.
If not, this project appears to be another example of Duncan’s legally tragic tree loss during rampant development.
Perhaps answers can be furnished in a press release for publication by the Cowichan Citizen.
Yours in eco-smart urban growth,
Peter W. Rusland
North Cowichan