Port Coquitlam City Hall would normally be hidden behind a fluffy, pink cloud of cherry blossoms this spring.
But that won't be happening this year because seven iconic flowering cherry trees have been removed from around Veterans Park and the city hall precinct to make way for a renovation to the area.
Although a few of the cherry trees remain, according to the city, as many as 11 "significant trees" were taken down last week, generating an outcry of disappointment and loss from residents.
On social media, residents posted photos and video they had taken of the cherry trees in full bloom amidst a blazing garden of colourful tulips.
The city says not all trees were taken down: Douglas fir, English walnut, Tulip, Norway spruce, cedar, flowering cherry and magnolia trees remain.
According to the city, many of the front facing flowering cherry trees that were cut down were in "poor condition and in declining health" due to deadwood, bark sloughing due to drought stress and leaf minder damage.
"Removing trees are always difficult decisions to make and we recognize that trees are an important part of our community," stated Joshua Frederick, the city's director of engineering and public works.
But many residents single out the cutting down of large cherry trees as a significant loss.
RESIDENTS POST PHOTOS OF FLOWERING CHERRY TREES
In letters and on social media, members of the public are talking about this historical event that took place last week when workers were brought in to cut down several large trees.
"They have always been an iconic photo moment for grads, weddings, family reunions, picnics and selfies. Sad they have to give up their roots in Port Coquitlam," posted one long-time resident who said her mom's ashes were buried amongst the trees.
Some have criticized the city for not being more forthcoming about the tree cutting in planning for the Veterans Park and Leigh Square projects.
But the city maintains that it did extensive consultation during the planning process, dating back several years, including public surveys, downtown planning and action plans involving local citizens and business.
According to the city, four out of the seven cherry trees removed were in poor to fair condition.
Frederick said 11 trees were removed last week because of approaching bird nesting season "so as to not disturb nesting birds during construction."
The city expects to remove 21 trees but plant 45 trees, with a net gain of 24 trees.
BIGGER TREES WILL BE PLANTED, CITY PROMISES
Originally, plans were to cut even more trees, Frederick said, but that number was whittled down with the help of an independent arborist and two full-time staff arborists.
What's next will be an effort to determine species and ultimate locations for the new trees, which will be "double the removal," Frederick said.
"For replacement trees, staff will be working with the design consultant as well as parks city staff to prepare a detailed replacement plan to ensure the trees will thrive and with consideration for good tree canopy," said Frederick.
While no tree plant list is currently available because details are still being worked out, Frederick said replacement trees won't be small saplings usually planted with the intent that they grow and mature.
Instead, he promised, the city is looking at installing 45 new "maturing trees" that will be larger and chosen for their ability to thrive in the area.
"Staff are considering procuring developing nursery trees rather than saplings or underwhelming specimens so they provide more benefit from day one."
The goal is to have the Veterans Park project complete in time for Remembrance Day this fall.
Plans for Leigh Square have yet to be finalized.
