As the City of Vernon prepares to remove cedar trees and junipers in an effort to improve a neighbourhood's resistance to wildfires, one local resident is concerned about her loss of privacy and a depreciation of her property value.
In July, the city announced that crews would soon be working on Lakeridge Drive, Amber Drive, Cameo Drive and Garnet Drive, removing cedars and junipers along those roads in the Okanagan Landing area, to be replaced with more fire-resistant landscaping.
Trees and shrubs will only be removed if they are on city-owned property and not private property.
Diane Hamilton, a resident of Amber Drive, is concerned about the prospect of losing the 38 large cedar trees that line her property.
Hamilton said when she purchased her home 13 years ago, she assumed the trees were hers. It was only when she installed a fence along her yard that she realized the trees were on city property.
She said she's worried about a loss of privacy if the cedars are cut down because she lives on a busy street with a four-way stop right beside her house, which is also a bus route.
"We bought this house because of the privacy," she told The Morning Star. "Without those trees, it will be a virtual fish bowl."
Hamilton said she's been considering selling her house and recently had a real estate agent assess her property. She said the agent told her losing the cedar trees could depreciate the value of her home "anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000."
Hamilton added that "hundreds" of birds, including owls, make use of the trees for nesting in the spring, and the trees are a habitat for other species such as tree frogs and bats.
Hamilton said she has been informed by the city that tree removal in the area will begin Monday, Aug. 12.
Even though she doesn't want the trees to be cut down, she is worried about the threat of wildfires like most people in the community. But she said she would like to see the cedars topped rather than removed.
City spokesperson Josh Winquist said the removal of the "fire-prone" trees and vegetation is a proactive measure that aligns with the city's approach to reducing wildfire hazards.
"We understand that changes to landscaping on City of Vernon-owned properties can change the aesthetics of a neighbourhood," Windquist said. "For these reasons, public information sessions are provided as well as ongoing information to residents impacted by the work."
Vernon Fire Chief David Lind said most of the feedback that's been received from residents has been in support of the tree and shrub removal.
“As a community, we are moving the needle forward and many residents are taking on FireSmart activities on their properties," Lind said. "I am hopeful that momentum can be gained as we all work to FireSmart our community. We appreciate the community's understanding and cooperation as we work to better prepare for and protect the city and its residents from the impacts of fires.”
