Newsletters Newsletter May 27, 2023: Oak Bay’s Tree Preservation Strategy: In Name Only
Oak Bay Council can't see the forest for the trees because the previous three Councils, as well as the present Council, collectively have allowed the destruction of hundreds of mature trees in order to over-develop and subdivide lots.
The District’s Tree Preservation Strategy’s are in “name only”, because their objectives have had little application in practice. It is notable that Oak Bay’s Urban Forest Strategy is also a “Missing in Action” casualty. This important document is not anywhere to be found on the Municipal website. Perhaps the reason for this is it has many insights and recommendations that are not in keeping with this Council.s densification initiatives.
Why is all of this problematic? Let’s count the ways: more density means more traffic of all kinds, predominantly cars. More cars mean more greenhouse gas emissions. More density in single-family neighbourhoods also results in less green space and more tree loss. With fewer trees, less greenhouse gas is absorbed and, less oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
The glaring disconnect between Council’s and Staff’s stated Climate Change Reduction Policies and their densification approvals was in full display at the May 23, 2023 Council Meeting. At the meeting, former Councillor Kirby and a resident made pleas to prevent the 2200 Dalhousie Steet Infrastructure Project from destroying the street’s many boulevard trees and streetscape.
The Dalhousie resident’s reasons to save the trees were compelling, e.g. Dalhousie is a very wide street and this should allow the trees to be retained, the trees provide many important benefits, etc. However, staff responded by stating there had been two construction tender processes for the project and, a contract had been approved. They said, “The train was already on the track” and in all probability it was too late, at this stage, to redesign this (environmentally destructive) construction project (May 24, 2023 notification - work has not started)
What is most disturbing is, it should have only taken staff one look at this wonderful street and this should have been enough to ensure that an infrastructure plan design would have retained all of the Dalhousie trees.
In the event a visual assessment failed to save the Dalhousie natural tree assets, staff could have referred to the District’s comprehensive Urban Forest Strategy, and /or the endorsed 3-year (2021-2023) Council Priority Program to “create climate-proof, resilient neighborhoods” and/or, considered a District intended Natural Asset Initiative (read Urban Forest Canopy) – although it is not yet in the books (surprise surprise).
2200 DALHOUSIE STREET
Oak Bay Council can't see the forest for the trees because the previous three Councils, as well as the present Council, collectively have allowed the destruction of hundreds of mature trees in order to over-develop and subdivide lots.
The District’s Tree Preservation Strategy’s are in “name only”, because their objectives have had little application in practice. It is notable that Oak Bay’s Urban Forest Strategy is also a “Missing in Action” casualty. This important document is not anywhere to be found on the Municipal website. Perhaps the reason for this is it has many insights and recommendations that are not in keeping with this Council.s densification initiatives.
Why is all of this problematic? Let’s count the ways: more density means more traffic of all kinds, predominantly cars. More cars mean more greenhouse gas emissions. More density in single-family neighbourhoods also results in less green space and more tree loss. With fewer trees, less greenhouse gas is absorbed and, less oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
The glaring disconnect between Council’s and Staff’s stated Climate Change Reduction Policies and their densification approvals was in full display at the May 23, 2023 Council Meeting. At the meeting, former Councillor Kirby and a resident made pleas to prevent the 2200 Dalhousie Steet Infrastructure Project from destroying the street’s many boulevard trees and streetscape.
The Dalhousie resident’s reasons to save the trees were compelling, e.g. Dalhousie is a very wide street and this should allow the trees to be retained, the trees provide many important benefits, etc. However, staff responded by stating there had been two construction tender processes for the project and, a contract had been approved. They said, “The train was already on the track” and in all probability it was too late, at this stage, to redesign this (environmentally destructive) construction project (May 24, 2023 notification - work has not started)
What is most disturbing is, it should have only taken staff one look at this wonderful street and this should have been enough to ensure that an infrastructure plan design would have retained all of the Dalhousie trees.
In the event a visual assessment failed to save the Dalhousie natural tree assets, staff could have referred to the District’s comprehensive Urban Forest Strategy, and /or the endorsed 3-year (2021-2023) Council Priority Program to “create climate-proof, resilient neighborhoods” and/or, considered a District intended Natural Asset Initiative (read Urban Forest Canopy) – although it is not yet in the books (surprise surprise).
2200 DALHOUSIE STREET
Whereas: The Planning, Engineering, and Parks Department’s staffing has been increased significantly; regular District senior staff Team Leadership meetings are held; the Administration has a dedicated staff member that monitors Council Priorities; the Official Community Plan and Urban Forest Report both include tree preservation recommendations and the District has a Climate Action Working Group, it seems fair to inquire how on earth did the mark get missed this badly?
Oak Bay Watch Perspective
What a difference a century or so has made not only in tree protection, but in Council direction.
At this same May 23, 2023 Council meeting it was ironical that a Coolkit Program Report and PowerPoint Presentation were on the agenda. The Coolkit Program’s intent is to promote fighting climate change. It was reported so far, the emphasis has been on public engagement and awareness and, what residents need to do to fight climate change. Isn't this exactly what the Dalhousie residents were doing when they implored Council to save Oak Bay's trees?
It seems to us that based on the number of mature trees and vegetation being destroyed, as well as the Dalhousie impending tree catastrophe, it would have been more effective to focus on Council and Staff’s awareness of this crucial planet crisis.
If anyone was paying attention, they would have noticed Tree and Heritage Symposiums, and the District's Urban Forest meetings have all been well attended by residents. There has been no shortage of the Community’s interest or its engagement in urban forest protection. These events demonstrated resident awareness and support for prioritizing tree preservation and/ or ideas for fighting climate change.
What has been missing, however, is Oak Bay Council’s putting their # 4 (of 6) Priority, “Climate Change”: into effect. It states, “Climate Change & Environment: Proactively mitigate and adapt to climate change and preserve and enhance the environment.”
Unfortunately, although a lot of information is available and has been provided, it has obviously been disregarded. Does Council really expect residents to believe that their 2- for-1 sapling replacements are going to compensate for the loss of decades of the direct benefits provided by our Urban Forest? An Urban Forest that includes: mature trees; vegetation; soil filtration systems and green space? These natural infrastructure assets mitigate stress on the District’s fragile sewer and storm drains. (See Appendix #1 and Chart Appendix #2 for more information).
It seems to us that it would have been much more productive to spend the night discussing how to save the Dalhousie trees rather than to reconsider whether or not the Patio Sidewalk Program electric heaters should be recommended.
There are many ways to add density without destroying single-family neighbourhoods or distorting the property tax base (any more than it is). There are many ways to build and save existing trees. The Planning Department has two senior, supervisory planners, two 2 planning staff, support staff, and a million-dollar budget. Therefore, it shouldn’t be too much to request that the District set development standards in keeping with Oak Bay’s character and heritage.
Oak Bay's BC leading 33% coverage urban forest, like its quiet streets and well-kept gardens, is a big part of its character and charm. The District has published many statements committing to maintain Oak Bay's character and charm however, as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
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Appendix #1
Note: It requires well over 200 saplings to equal the benefits one mature tree provides (Creative United .org). When a tree is cut it releases the carbon it has stored into the atmosphere (Pen State Extension - College of Agricultural Sciences). Neighborhoods with well-shaded streets can be up to 6–10° F cooler than neighborhoods without street trees (Arbor Day Foundation)
Trees Matter Network Rendition
Appendix #2: Tree Replacement Chart and Urban Forest Report's Financial and Longevity Benefits that Trees Provide
