Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Squamish’s mayor and council. It was copied to The Chief for publication.
The damage done by the logging by B.C. Hydro, during nesting season, and allegedly at the request of the DOS to be done now, rather than in September as scheduled, is irresponsible, irreparable and possibly illegal (“Hydro clearing ‘genocide’ for birds,” Chief, May 1). The forest was home to at least 20 species of birds and small mammals and a wildlife corridor for larger animals. I am told by Mr. Simmons of the DOS that work is to begin in June on the rest of Hunter Trail, this being done for water and sewer reasons, and to re-align Hunter Trail. He has indicated to me that at this time, more trees will be felled (still during nesting season) to complete this work. The work is to continue through to September, with no regard to residents whose homes line the trail and whose enjoyment of their property will be seriously impacted. Based on what has happened on the lower portion, I have no confidence that any selective logging will occur, and the same destruction will happen on the upper portion. The DOS’s response to the concerns of residents was to go into damage control mode and deliver a flyer door-to-door outlining the work that is to begin in June. I was also told that a bike lane will be built along Clarke Drive, which raises safety concerns for residents backing out of their driveways into the lane, as well as for pedestrian/bike conflict. It is unclear how many more trees will be cut to create this bike lane. The residents of Hospital Hill should be forgiven for thinking that the sudden fast-tracking of this work is to lay the infrastructure needed for the (as yet) not approved Kingswood development. Mayor and council should be paying more attention to the needs and concerns of their constituents. I chose to live in this area for the trees, wildlife and privacy, this is being lost to the DOS’s “improvements” to the area and I also hope that these “improvements” do not negatively affect my property value. To date, no one has replied to my emails except Mr. Simmons, but he still could not provide any information as to why the logging had to be so invasive. There is an information meeting tonight (May 15) at 6 p.m. at DOS council chambers to explain the work being started in June.
Carol Watts
Squamish (Hospital Hill)
