Mature trees cut down in Saanich were not memorial trees, says district
Greater Victoria residents may have noticed mature trees in Saanich, B.C., have been cut down to make way for the municipality's Shelbourne Street Improvements Project.
The removal of the trees has raised some concerns from community members who noticed their absence between North Dairy Road and Pear Street.
Trees, such as the iconic London Plane, are being removed as part of the second phase of the Shelbourne Street Improvements Project.
The project is intended to make the corridor safer for cars, bikes and pedestrians, and includes upgrades to underground infrastructure.
The project will also see protected bike lanes added to Shelbourne Street.
A cut down tree along Shelbourne Street in Saanich, B.C., is pictured. (CTV News)
NO MEMORIAL TREES REMOVED
More than 100 years ago, memorial trees were planted on both sides of Shelbourne Street in Saanich and Victoria to honour B.C.'s fallen soldiers and nurses in the First World War and Boer Wars.
Saanich told CTV in a statement that it acknowledges that some of the mature trees hold a historical significance, but none of the trees being removed are from the original Memorial Avenue plantings in 1921 – of which 200 still remain.
A mature tree along Shelbourne Street in Saanich, B.C., is pictured. (CTV News)
The municipality says it spent several years planning and consulting with residents about the proposed changes and tree removals before going ahead with the project.
As per the municipality's Tree Protection Bylaw – Saanich says for every tree removed three more will be planted within the project area or elsewhere in the municipality, totalling about 350 in total.
The improvement project is expected to take another three to four years to complete.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.