More needs to be done to protect green space when new developments go up in the city, according to 91大黄鸭 Councillor Charlie Hodge.
Hodge brought up his concerns at the end of Monday鈥檚 (May 16) meeting, which saw council consider several rezoning applications for developments across the city.
鈥淚 watched today and I hate to always be saying no to every development, but it鈥檚 got to the point that I think we鈥檙e going to have to start considering doing that,鈥� said Hodge. 鈥淚f we seriously want to get on top of improving our carbon footprint. I think we have to start looking at it at a serious level.鈥�
Mayor Colin Basran pointed out that the city鈥檚 director of planning has stated a tree protection bylaw is imminent to go before council.
鈥淪o I would suggest that we wait until then and hear council鈥檚 thoughts and go from there,鈥� added Basran.
鈥淭hat is exactly why I鈥檓 bringing it up,鈥� responded Hodge. 鈥淚 think we have a great opportunity to establish some bylaws and guidelines and other communities will wish they had thought of doing.鈥�
Hodge added the city is doing many positive things toward building a vibrant community but felt a better job could be done in protecting natural green spaces.
鈥淭oday was a small example in my mind of developers moving all or most of the trees off the lot when they get it. We鈥檝e seen so much hillside, mountain clearing etc. I guess in my mind, many of the trees we鈥檙e seeing removed are large, healthy trees that may be replaced by small ones, but that doesn鈥檛 help air quality.鈥�
Read More: 91大黄鸭 taking steps to become 鈥榚ventful city鈥�
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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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