Delegations critical of a plan for improvements to Loudon Park are expected to be heard tonight by Nanaimo’s council.
The project was approved by the city last month and speakers are slated to discuss their concerns about the plan and the removal of mature trees.
According to the city’s website, every effort will be taken by the city to ensure the protection of nature and the surrounding ecosystems, but the delegations are still expected to ask council to reconsider their plans.
“Tree replacement will be in accordance with the City’s Management and Protection of Tree bylaw,” they say.
The bylaw’s objective is to ensure preservation is a priority.
“Council’s objective is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the trees within Nanaimo’s urban forest and the preservation of existing trees as a priority,” the bylaw states.
According to the bylaw, several criteria need to be considered before the removal of a tree is considered including, it has been determined a hazard and at risk of failure, endangering the health and stability of other trees, and it has been approved for removal as part of a park plan.
Loudon Park approved upgrades include funding to build a single-storey building that features a 150 square metre multipurpose room for public use, boat storage, training facility, accessible washrooms and change rooms.
Delegations are expected to speak when council convenes at 7:00 p.m.
