Updated March 10/22
The Town of Gibsons has not offered a last-minute reprieve for more than 30 trees on Gibsons Elementary School grounds.
In response to Coast Reporter inquiries about the planned removal of approximately 34 high-risk trees at Gibsons Elementary School, the Town of Gibsons issued the following March 9 statement:
“While we are disappointed with the need to remove a significant number of mature, hazardous trees at Gibsons Elementary School, we appreciate that School District #46 (SD) has followed a transparent process.
The SD has worked with an ISA [International Society of Arboriculture] Certified Arborist who also holds an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification to develop a plan and permit application. As well, the SD has engaged with the students, neighbours and school community to inform them of the results of the assessment and the need to prioritize the safety of students and people who frequent the area.
Council is satisfied that the requirements for issuing a permit have been met and we will work with the SD to continue to inform the community about the importance of maintaining trees, while supporting the need to continue assessing at-risk trees that pose a risk to safety. We also look forward to helping with the planting of the new trees that will re-establish this forested area.”
At the Feb. 1 School District #46 Board meeting, secretary-treasurer Nicholas Weswick indicated that the trees would be removed during March Break, which is scheduled March 14 to 25. He noted that the trees were recommended for removal after an independent consultant’s tree assessments showed that removal was the best way to mitigate risks of tree failure, which could lead to risk of safety to students and the public, as well as to housing and property.
Coast Reporter received and published several letters to the editor stating opposition to the planned removal of the trees. During the inquiries portion of the March 1, Gibsons council meeting, several of the elected officials voiced concerns and Town resident Donna Thomas stated that several people had approached her "in tears" over the loss of the community beloved trees.
SD 46 held a community information session on the project on March 2, and have provided answers to frequently asked questions at https://sd46.bc.ca/gibsons-elementary-tree-removal-and-reforestation-project/
