This is another textbook case of why for years I've requested a tree bylaw from council.

North Cowichan in need of tree protection bylaw

Dear North Cowichan mayor and council:

You might want to take a look at what’s left of the once-treed site on Banks Road where mostly healthy trees were legally cut by the owners of Clements Centre.

As you may know, Clements bought the school site back from Island Oak High School and aims to put Sundrops Centre for Child Development in there. We’re delighted about the school, but the loss of those trees for increased parking, building light and a playground sickens me and some of my neighbours.

This is another textbook case of why for years I’ve requested a tree bylaw from council. This clearing happens quietly across our municipality — with a most-welcome climate-action plan — as nature and privacy give way to lost greenery and lower property values. I fully understand tree falling for safety, but clearing is also done for nothing but parking stalls, better viewscapes or less nuisance foliage. I understand from staff a tree bylaw was under discussion by council but it’s now sadly off council’s priority list. Such clearing is illegal under strict tree bylaws in many Canadian cities and municipalities, including Duncan. When will North Cowichan pass a tree bylaw with teeth and bring our area out of the frontier age?

Peter Rusland

Duncan

Cowichan Valley Citizen