Editor: Re: “Shortsighted decision by Langley Township council“ (the Times, April 13)
The writer is clearly missing some of the valid points that were brought up.
First, mom and dad homeowners would like to be able to add input into the debate regarding a proposed tree bylaw.
The TOL has a mandate to utilize “public engagement” and allow the whole community to have ample opportunities to weigh in regarding a policy that will affect the whole community.
This has not been done yet. Public engagement takes the form of information sessions, open houses and many meetings in all communities around the TOL.
The interim tree bylaw for Brookswood was very specific for a time and place (75 days) and addressed some of the concerns there were at that time and place (bylaw #5072-2014).
I would ask that all the concerned residents of the TOL read this bylaw.
We all love and need trees and want them to be protected in many places and situations.
We have been presented with the science of the value of the tree canopy in helping to clean our air.
I live in a forested area and respect the trees.
However, when a mom and dad want to remove a couple of trees from their backyard to create a play space for their children, who wants to pay for an arborist’s report, and then pay several hundred dollars to apply for a tree removal permit that may be denied?
A tree protection bylaw can be very prohibitive to the average homeowner.
Certainly, efforts to preserve stands of mature trees in identified areas can be addressed in an appropriate tree bylaw that is developed with input from the community.
Please, let’s take the appropriate time and input from the community, and draft a proposal that works for all members of the community.
G. Lambert,
Langley
