The sudden death of a large chestnut tree that may have been intentionally poisoned has spurred an investigation by Oak Bay Police and the District of Oak Bay.

The large chestnut tree sits on the municipal boulevard on Beach Drive. The District became aware of the treeB次元官网网址檚 rapid decline about a month ago.

The homeowner adjacent to the tree said he could not comment because there is an open investigation, however he did mention that he has received unwanted messages, both physical and verbal, in relation to the tree.

B次元官网网址淚t is unacceptable for someone to damage someone elseB次元官网网址檚 property,B次元官网网址� said Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties. B次元官网网址淚n this case, the property belonged to the District of Oak Bay.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淩egrettably, the tree is going to have to be removed,B次元官网网址� said Mayor Nils Jensen.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, criminal and civil charges may be laid.

B次元官网网址淭hese files can be more complex than one might think,B次元官网网址� said Bernoties. B次元官网网址淓ven when it might be obvious who has motive, we need to establish B次元官网网址榖eyond a reasonable doubtB次元官网网址� that a specific person is the actual individual who committed the offence.B次元官网网址�

Whereas, in a civil proceeding, Bernoties explains, there is a lesser burden which is often referred to as a B次元官网网址渂alance of probabilities.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淲e take that kind of damage to our property very seriously,B次元官网网址� said Jensen. B次元官网网址淪taff continue to investigate the matter.B次元官网网址�

More to comeB次元官网网址�