We congratulate Victoria’s mayor and council on their decision to push the pause button on the Crystal Pool project that would have seen 20 to 26 of Central Park’s magnificent, mature trees cut down, and others heavily pruned. Some of these species could potentially live another 100 to 200 years or more.
Mature trees provide essential eco-services such as carbon-storing, producing oxygen, cleaning and cooling the air, and mitigating stormwater runoff, as well as providing habitat for wildlife, and mental and physical health benefits to community residents. Replacement saplings would take decades to fill the same functions.
We also thank Graham Lee of RG Properties for offering to partner with the city on building the pool on the arena parking lot, the North Park Neighbourhood Association for its creative alternative suggestion and its commitment to protecting trees and green space.
Grace Golightly
Community Trees Matter Network, Victoria