An open letter to the City of White Rock.
The natural ecosystem ‘The Hump’, a focal point and unique area of White Rock, has been put at risk by the clearcutting that has taken place (Bluff clearcut catches many off guard, May 13).
Environmental arguments against this unacceptable work are numerous. I hope you are open to listening to concerns and suggestions:
A bioplan, done by environmentally focused landscape architects, engineers and urban planners, needs to be commissioned. This plan will address the problems and environmental concerns of this sensitive area, e.g. plants, trees, wildlife, road and slope stability.
This bioplan will recommend the retention of all existing trees and the planting of trees, including tall native trees, like firs and cedars, to create biodiversity. An urban forest and green space friendly to people and the ecosystem can be created on, and adjacent to, ‘The Hump’. This area, with its natural setting, and all the existing and newly planted trees, would be preserved and protected in perpetuity.
The railway will soon be gone, and this will also be a future consideration in the bioplan.
This plan benefits everyone, not just the few who want views/sightlines, and can also be applied to all lands, public and private, in White Rock, in order to create a more livable community.
Our new official community plan that is to be created soon, after community input, will reflect these desired changes and new direction.
I do not believe your present course of action has the consensus or approval of the people. On behalf of the residents of, and visitors to, White Rock, I respectfully request the clearcutting of ‘The Hump’ be stopped now and a new environmentally responsible path be followed, with futuristic, imaginative, sensitive decisions made by officials.
This is what we all want and what we will remember and be grateful for in the years to come. Our children’s children will thank you.
Cal Pawson, Surrey