Century-old trees being removed from park

Contractors and parks staff staff will begin removing eastern white cedar trees from the laneway at Guisachan Heritage Park in Kelowna starting today (March 15).

“The trees are in the later part of their lifespan and their condition continues to deteriorate to the point where removal is the only option,” a City of Kelowna news release informed. “Eastern white cedars are not well suited to the Okanagan climate, requiring significant watering, and these trees had been left unwatered for several years before the city acquired the property in 2016.”

The city said several of the trees have fallen recently, creating a risk of damage to adjacent properties or injury to visitors at the park located at 1060 Cameron Avenue.

“It’s regrettable, especially given the history of these trees,” said Andrew Hunsberger, Urban Forestry Supervisor, “but we look forward to planting a new species in their place that can thrive and add to our urban canopy.”

New trees will be planted later this year to replace those being removed. A hearty, drought-resistant species, like white fir, will be selected, though the exact species and timeline is still to be determined as the COVID-19 pandemic has made sourcing trees more difficult.

The 300 eastern white cedar that lined the laneway were planted in the late 1800s and draw their historical and emotional significance from their association with Lord and Lady Aberdeen. The Aberdeens had originally planted fir trees they brought from Scotland at the site, but those trees died and were replaced with the white cedar.

Lord and Lady Aberdeen were notable early residents of Kelowna and Lord Aberdeen served as Governor General from 1893 to 1898.