North Vancouver is moving ahead with a major redevelopment at 1540 St. Georges Ave and East 16th Street that will remove 25 mature trees, including a rare and irreplaceable oak that has stood for generations.

The developer, Adera Development, chose a design that requires cutting these trees to make room for the parking garage and site layout. Despite public concern and expert input, city council voted to allow the project to proceed. Once these trees are cut, the ecological and cultural loss cannot be reversed.

These trees are living infrastructure. They cool our streets, clean the air, shelter wildlife, and shape the character of Central Lonsdale. They give this community identity and natural resilience.

Retired city planner Alex Jamieson captured what many residents feel.

“I am not taking away housing to save some stupid tree. But what I am talking about is biodiversity and the fact that the new tree bylaw does not seem to be effective.”

Councillor Tony Valente added,

“There are benefits to these trees beyond just the ecological.”

Independent planners and community members believe the development can be redesigned to retain the oak and several other mature trees. Parking garage adjustments and modest layout changes could protect the canopy without reducing housing supply. The removal of these trees is not unavoidable. It is simply the easiest option for the developer.

Planting seventy eight saplings will not replace the ecological, cultural, or historical value of a century old canopy. If homeowners must protect healthy trees, developers should meet the same responsibility.

We are calling on Adera Development and the City of North Vancouver to take immediate action.

• Revise the building and parking plans to retain the mature trees
• Protect the East 16th Street oak as a heritage asset
• Strengthen early stage tree protection requirements for future projects

Please write to the developers:

mackenzieb@adera.com

stewartm@adera.com

North Vancouver’s identity is rooted in its trees. We can build housing and still protect the natural network that makes this community livable. Redesign is possible. The loss would last forever.

Sign this petition and help save these trees before they are cut down.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Alex Jamieson at ajamieson31@yahoo.ca.

Full news coverage of the issue can be found here:

https://tinyurl.com/3wutb48z

Photo by Paul McGrath.