Editor:
I read the letter submitted by Judith Reeve (Coast Reporter, Oct. 12) regarding the palm trees at Sunnycrest Mall, and I felt that it was important to correct some falsehoods.
One tree was taken out. The tree obstructed the traffic light and drivers' vision for turning. Numerous complaints had been received from the Department of Highways and from customers. These trees were planted in 2002 and they are now mature trees with a large branch span that need to be constantly pruned back and leaves swept up. They are not "minimum maintenance."
The majority of the rhododendrons and greenery were taken out by the Town of Gibsons, with no notice given to the mall. They were working on pipes in that area. The roses were trampled by pedestrian traffic.
Sunnycrest Mall's landscaping is 95 per cent indigenous plant materials, including more than 50 trees. The locust trees, as they mature, have extremely thick, tough roots, which are now breaking through the asphalt. This is a safety concern and an expensive fix.
Palm trees do offer shade, and by their nature do not obstruct sight lines. They also have a much smaller root system and do not cause damage to asphalt. Palm trees are used extensively in the Lower Mainland and the Pacific Northwest for commercial and residential landscaping.
I appreciate Ms. Reeve's concerns, but the mall has had nothing but positive feedback regarding the palms. They were a very small part of the larger renovations that Sunnycrest undertook this year, all to make Sunnycrest Mall a more attractive, comfortable and safe place to shop.
Nanci McCaw, property manager, Sunnycrest Mall
