The recent windstorm that blew through Metro Vancouver will change the landscape of Queen’s Park for the foreseeable future.
Dean Gibson, the city’s director of parks, culture and recreation, said trees along the riverfront trails in Queensborough were hard hit by the windstorm, which also took out a large willow tree in lower Hume Park. He said Queen’s Park took the biggest hit, with three very large, mature trees near the park’s entrance blowing over in the wind.
“It is going to change the landscape in that area for a period of time,” he said of Queen’s Park. “In our other parks we experienced mainly very large branches and then very small debris that blows out of the trees. In all, the cleanup will be ongoing for a number of days.”
Gibson said the city receives tree-services requests where there are tree failures on public land around the city. The city received more than 70 requests from various areas around the city and will assess and prioritize the requests and follow-up.
Gibson suggested residents make sure they are not only observing the debris on the ground but they’re also taking a look up into the overhead trees, as it’s not unusual after large storms for branches to get caught up in the tree canopy.
“It can represent a risk to the public if it comes falling down at an unexpected time,” he said.
To report a downed tree on public property such as sidewalks, streets and parks, call New Westminster parks, culture and recreation at 604-527-4567.
