A request to forgive a bylaw infraction and fine was denied by council, but a good reminder of how the city values it’s trees, according to councillor Carrie Powell-Davidson.
Powell-Davidson was chairing that portion of the June 18 city council meeting, after mayor Chris Burger and deputy mayor Marc Lefebvre excused themselves for a possible conflict of interest.
Bruce Alexander hired a professional tree removal service to clear some trees from his property at 669 East Island Highway without the proper permits.
The fine is $500 per tree, which he asked council not to enforce as he was unaware a permit was needed.
Chief administrative officer Fred Manson pointed out to council they could choose not to enforce the bylaw, but that would set a precedent and make it impossible to enforce in the future.
The remaining four councillors voted unanimously to enforce the ticket and Powell-Davidson said she was “grateful this came up because it is a good message to get out to the public that we value our trees very highly in Parksville.”
