A prominent domestic cherry tree in Gibsons’ Holland Park was cut down Aug. 9 for public safety reasons.
Town communications manager Elizabeth Quayle confirmed in an email to Coast Reporter that one of the tree’s branches failed and toppled down on Aug. 6. No one was injured in that incident, she said, and the surrounding area was cordoned off by town staff until the tree could be removed.
According to Quayle, the Town had the tree taken down by an independent contractor as an arborist’s report recommended it for “immediate removal.” The report stated the tree was at high risk of whole or partial failure as it showed signs of extensive external and internal decay. Damage from carpenter ants and secondary insects was also noted in the report.
The municipality has no plans to replace the tree. “We are currently contemplating a revitalization of the Holland Lands which would likely include new landscaping,” Quayle said.
Earlier this year, the town established a Holland Lands/Cultural Corner select committee to explore the feasibility of redeveloping the area. The group is considering the space needs requirements for the existing public use buildings along South Fletcher and Winn roads. In addition, it is tasked with determining ways to make green space in the area more usable for the public. The committee is to make recommendations to council for future community and stakeholder consultations.
The seven members of the committee represent the town, the Gibsons Public Library, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, School District No. 46, the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives and adjacent Arts Centre, and the Lower Gibsons Business Association/Visitors Centre. It held its first meeting July 21, which focussed on a presentation regarding the future space needs of the library. Minutes of that meeting are scheduled to be considered at the council meeting of Sept. 7.
