Emily the tree is dead. She was felled .

whose scarlet leaves invigorated the tired Cordova Bay Plaza with a splash of life. Whether you knew Emily by name or not, you couldnB次元官网网址檛 miss the giant tree, an oasis in the deserted Cordova Bay Plaza parking lot. Recently, Emily inspired an outcry from a number of Cordova Bay villagers in the final moments before the new was approved. (The removal of Emily and other trees were included in the plans.)

The new shopping centre is comprised of three four-storey buildings with multiple ground-floor commercial suites, underground parking and 91 residential homes.

And so, it was a down moment earlier this month as villagers happened upon the iconic Emily who, for the first time in decades, was no longer in the regal upright stance overlooking the Haro Straight. Instead, Emily was reduced to logs in a box.

Steve Corner was among those who took the chance to memorialize the great oak. B次元官网网址淚t was a sad and unnecessary ending to [EmilyB次元官网网址檚] life,B次元官网网址� said Corner. B次元官网网址淸Emily] could have provided many more years for all to enjoy with a little thought in the design of the new development.B次元官网网址�

Before it was felled, the tree inspired 18-year-old Claremont grad Matthew Cain to paint it. He not only captured the treeB次元官网网址檚 essence but also spoke to Saanich council B次元官网网址� prior to the development approval B次元官网网址� on behalf of retaining the tree for its spiritual and community value.

Others equally lamented the loss of Emily.

Development continues to result in urban tree canopy loss . Most urban trees are felled for development, which remains strong, likely at a pace similar to the 378 hectares of tree cover lost between 2005 and 2011.

reporter@saanichnews.com