Too many trees being cut on Queen Anne Heights

In the city of Victoria, we have something unique: A hillside covered by a forest of native Garry oak and other mature trees on Queen Anne Heights.

Saving our trees is a priority. Almost every time a new house is built in our neighbourhood, a mature Garry oak tree is removed. Cutting down more than 20 trees to subdivide 515 Foul Bay Rd. into four lots to build three in-fill houses is too many trees lost.

According to the City of Victoria report, the remaining mature trees might be negatively affected by the development. Endangering the remaining trees on our hillside is a travesty. This is an urban forest with a huge canopy that is not replaceable in our lifetimes. Our hillside forms a vital greenspace conduit between Gonzales Hill and Pemberton Park for birds and other wildlife.

There are five rental suites in the Maclure mansion on this 1.2-acre property in the heart of the Gonzales Plan Heritage Conservation Area. The proposed houses are modern, flat-roofed structures that are not compatible with the neighbouring heritage houses.

The developer is seeking many variances to build houses that are too large for the site. If the houses were slightly smaller, four mature Garry oaks could be saved.

It will go to public hearing at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 23, at city hall.

Virginia and Jeff Errick Victoria