Concerning the tree removal permit application to remove three Monterey cypress trees on Fourth Street near Henry to make way for a driveway:
Our beautiful town has seen the loss of many trees in recent years to make way for development. Ten+ trees (including several tall, mature trees) have been cut down in our half block of Mills Road at Resthaven in the past six years alone. The town’s Significant Tree List does not permit community members to nominate trees on others’ property. I believe there should be exceptions to this bylaw (#2138), and that these cypresss trees should be an exception*. According to the sign currently posted on the trees (posted by a concerned community member), these trees are estimated to be over 100 years old and could be three of the oldest Monterey cypress trees in Canada. It seems to me that these trees fill four of the five criteria making them Significant Trees:
- Outstanding specimen: The tree is of notable size, age, or shape
- Historically or culturally significant: The tree was planted by an important person in history or has other recorded historical or cultural importance
- Landmark: The tree is well-known to the community
- Rare species or unique growth: The tree species is rare or has a particularly unique growth pattern
- Wildlife habitat: The tree is recorded as a perch or nesting tree for a species-at-risk in the past two years
With respect to the owner of the property on which the trees grow, replacing such magnificent specimens to make way for a driveway seems a crying shame. The disrespect for nature and the legacy of such trees for future generations is unfathomable to a citizen such as myself, who appreciates and nurtures nature and who sees Sidney’s trees as meaningful and important to the beauty and livability of our town. I urge the mayor and council to deny the application to cut down these trees and instead to declare them Significant trees.
*The trees are tagged with blue metal tags numbered 950, 951, and 952.
Ms. Michael Ireland
Sidney
