Maple Ridge parks worker dies in workplace accident

Worked for 16 years for Vancouver park board, three investigations underway

  • Apr. 1, 2016 3:00 p.m.

newsroom@mapleridgenews.com

A Maple Ridge arborist who took pride in keeping Vancouver parks and its trees safe and beautiful, died while he was at work in Connaught Park, March 31.

Jody Taylor, 43, had been with the Vancouver parks department for 16 years, though he lived in Maple Ridge.

Canadian Union of Public Employees president Andrew Ledger said Taylor was a “much-loved public employee and dedicated arborist who for 16 years took daily pride in keeping Vancouver’s parks, playgrounds and boulevards not only beautiful but safe for the citizens of our city.”

Ledger said three investigations are ongoing into the workplace accident, one by the Vancouver City Police, another by the City of Vancouver and another by WorkSafe BC.

“He was an arborist and he was doing his job, fairly routine activities,” Ledger added.

“On April 28, Canadians mourn workers killed on the job. It is my unfortunate duty to add Jody Taylor’s name to this year’s list.”

Maple Ridge News