Take a trip down Dave Secco's block that's just steps from Camosun College and you'll see signs on several lawns with messages pleading to save "Big Pondy" – a decades old tree positioned at a nearby corner lot.
The neighbourhood's residents are concerned an early stage application for eight townhome units at the corner of Cochrane Street and Dean Avenue could see Big Pondy and six other trees cut down.
"We're removing this huge canopy of shade from a neighbourhood that desperately needs it with heat domes and climate change," Secco said.
With two children in their early 30s, Secco said he understands the need for housing and added density. But he and other neighbours say the proposed housing is too tall for the neighbourhood. They want the developer to reduce the height by building one floor underground or using flat roofs instead of peaked ones.
"We're not against density, we know we need to get more housing, we're just against the size of it," he said.
Seba Construction has proposed the eight-unit townhome project and its plans envision planting 14 replacement trees. An official at the company was reached by phone Wednesday (Sept. 25) and said they wouldn't comment on the project at this time as it's in the approval process. The official turned down an offer to speak about Seba's general goals for the project.
Secco said he's seen other townhome projects around town build around existing mature trees. He said replacement trees won't offer the same benefits the existing ones do and noted how Saanich just endorsed its updated Urban Forest Strategy.
A District of Saanich spokesperson said trees located on public and private property would be impacted by the proposal. If the proposal is approved, replacement trees would be planted to a density consistent with the district's tree protection bylaw, the spokesperson said.
Saanich staff are currently assessing the feasibility of retaining trees like the pine that residents have nicknamed Big Pondy. Staff have also asked Seba to work with the company's arbourist to consider retaining the pine tree, the Saanich official said.
"Once Parks staff receives a revised application, we can better assess the feasibility of this tree's retention," the spokesperson said.
The tree would become solely owned by Saanich through a land dedication, should the application be approved.
Secco said hundreds have signed on to petitions backing their cause, which will be presented to Saanich council in October. He and others are also holding a rally on Oct. 4 focused on saving "Big Pondy" and the other trees.
