The District of Squamish plans to save four of the 12 trees at an upcoming condo development by Polygon on Third Avenue in Downtown Squamish.
According to the Arborist report, three trees are in fair condition with minor health issues while one tree is in good condition at heights between 10 m and 15 m at the proposed development at 38201 Third Avenue.
Polygon had initially recommended to remove all trees on the development due to the proposed building’s impact on their root system and tree canopy. Three of the trees are mature conifers situated next to property lines but District wants to explore ways to retain these trees. The fourth tree is a mature Norway Maple with a stem situated roughly 8m from the front property line at Pemberton Avenue. Staff have received public feedback that this tree should be preserved, though that would require more significant frontage changes.
Polygon has expressed concerns regarding the age and longevity of these mature trees and the impact a building will have on their existing root and tree retention. They are proposing to remove all trees and instead replant larger new trees on the site. However staff notes that replanting trees would still require larger building setbacks, unless they are to be replanted only in the park area along Pemberton Avenue.
At a council meeting tomorrow, District staff will raise this issue with council and seek its feedback on whether the design of the development should consider tree retention at the site.
