UPDATE: Notice of tree maintenance this fall

səmiq̓ʷəʔelə’s arborist has recently identified a number of trees in high-traffic areas that pose a high risk to public safety. For this reason, those who use or drive past the site can expect to see tree maintenance or removal starting this fall; trees marked for removal will have clear signage affixed. At this time, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation and BC Housing’s approach is to only remove trees that pose a severe risk to the public or building infrastructure.

Please be sure to keep a safe distance if you notice crews doing tree maintenance.

The 5 trees identified as a severe safety risk include Red Alder, Black Cottonwood which are known to have a shorter lifespan than many local conifer trees. A number of other trees will be marked as hazardous and pruned or removed over a two-year period.

kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation and BC Housing rely on the expertise of a third-party professional arborist to regularly assess tree health on-site. All pruning and tree removal will be carried out under the direction of this arborist, and in accordance with industry standards and specifications.

Other works such as adding mulch around root bases, ongoing irrigation, and bracing will also be a part of the regular maintenance work to promote tree and ecosystem health. During this program, you may notice trees across site marked by flagging tape: this is to help crews internally communicate what maintenance care is required throughout site.

We strive to maximize tree health in accordance with the səmiq̓ʷəʔelə Tree & Plant Protection Specification. If you have any questions about the tree maintenance program, please email us at [email protected].