Last week our neighbours cut down a spectacular heritage arbutus on their property to allow for an easily adaptable renovation.
This tree, a rare giant specimen predating our 1970s housing development by over a century, would have been protected in almost all other municipalities in the Capital Regional District. These trees not only provide important habitat for a wide variety of native species, they also provide us with joy and beauty in our daily environment.
It is past time that both Langford and Colwood enacted tree protection bylaws that are in line with our values as a community.
A tree like that will not grow again in our lifetime. What a tragedy.
Carolyn Howe
Langford