Deeper Shade of Green

There has sure been a lot of turmoil over the issue of the axing of the tree bylaw recently. I have been embroiled in the controversy as well for voicing my opinion on the subject. To those calling me ‘Modern Day Druid’ – I say ‘thank you’. Without you realizing it, you have placed great honour on me, for Druids were highly respected in the Celtic culture.
Indeed, this issue is not trivial. I have written a letter to the editor in the hopes it would spark a discussion – in that respect I have succeeded. Sometimes you need a bit of controversy to start the discussion. We can have different opinions, but without discussion, we won’t go forward as a community. And that’s precisely what we were reproaching the Coquitlam Council – there was public consultation on the tree bylaw, it was put together by professionals and endorsed by city staff. Although weak on true protection of trees, it is at least a balanced tree bylaw. City councillors are not experts on the issue and they should heed the opinions of the various stakeholders aforementioned. If they don’t, and they let themselves be guided by their opinions or the various lobby groups – then it’s a slippery slope towards dictatorship. Let’s not forget the council works for us, not the other way around.

When a group of people live together, they necessarily need a framework, a set of guidelines in order to live together in peace and harmony. We need to be mindful and respectful of one another, and the needs of community will often have to be taken into considerations over the individual desires. Don’t take me wrong; I do think that presently the city is dictating a little too much to individuals what they can and cannot do on their property. I also come from a communist regime, so I know the importance of individual freedom. But this freedom cannot be always allowed to trump the common good.

What has transpired at last Monday’s Coquitlam council meeting leaves me cautiously optimistic. At least some councillors have realized that to axe the tree bylaw after so much input and effort would be wrong. I will be watching with great interest the modifications the city staff comes back with March 2nd.

I am not an extremist, I do not chain myself to the trees. I am a realist. I listen to science. I work for the community. You may not always agree with me, but if you extend me the courtesy and engage in a conversation, you may discover that we have much more in common then you may think.