Editor:
Re: Million-dollar views for all, May 13 letters.
I can just see it, a council policy to preserve the ocean views in White Rock for those who live in Surrey.
A Surrey letter writer to Peace Arch News believes White Rock owes them a “million-dollar view,” proposing to have trees removed from the slopes of Duprez Ravine.
After examining over 30 recent slides to the Semiahmoo bluff, I can attest to the removal of trees and construction on the slopes contributing to the slides. Removing trees will help destabilize slopes and cause mudslides to perhaps damage homes below the ravine.
Topping of trees is now a practice frowned upon by almost all tree experts. Besides causing stress to the trees, many of these cuts invite rot and make trees vulnerable. For some who walk in the ravine, these topped trees can be dangerous to human life.
Views do exist in the park. One can sit on a bench and enjoy the trees and ocean all at the same time.
It has been said the public trees in White Rock belong to all citizens, not just those living beside them. Now, since a resident of Surrey feels the residents of White Rock owes them a view, I hope they feel just as entitled to pay White Rock taxes.
White Rock would do well to follow its own tree bylaw. This would prevent further conflicts between neighbours and help to build community rather than destroy it.
Phil Le Good, White Rock
