The hedgerow and fencing that run for long sections along both sides of the community use trail at Cape Roger Curtis were the topic that was brought up in the public comment section of the special council meeting March 11.
Bowen Island resident Melissa Harrison said that members of the community are concerned about the matter.
The municipality's CAO Kathy Lalonde noted that staff is aware of the issue and is actively dealing with the file.
In response to a media inquiry, the owners of The Cape on Bowen Community Development said in an email that thetrail is an amenity that they are proud of.
"It is rewarding to see how much it is appreciated and valued by Bowen residents, Cape residents and tourists alike," they state, adding that they planted the cedar trees along a portion of the trail as part of the environmental consultants' vegetation management strategy.
"[The cedar trees] also provide habitat for birds and insects, help to define the trail path, and act as a privacy screen for both the trail users and property owners that would best integrate into the natural, green setting. Unfortunately, over a period of just under two years, many trees died and fell as deer fed on them. We tried using timber supports as an inconspicuous measure, but they did not work, and we have had to replace more than 200 trees," the communication reads. "On the recommendation of our environmental consultants, Pottinger Gaherty and Diamondhead, we have now installed temporary deer protection fencing to allow the trees to take root and mature. We simply don't want to replace the cedars with new cedars, or other kinds of plants, without giving our best effort to save what is already there."
The owners of The Cape on Bowen say that they recognize that the fencing affects the experience of the sea walk and that it will be removed when the consultants see that the trees have grown strong enough to stand on their own. They added, "The Cape on Bowen looks forward to this time. We are grateful for the community's patience and understanding."
The oceanfront trail was officially opened in September 16, 2011, and is called Roger Curtis Seawalk but its appearance has changed drastically. At the council meeting, Harrison suggested that conservation as well as right of way covenants may be applied to curb the fencing and planting.
In a follow-up email communication, municipal planner Annie Dempster said that municipal staff is working to determine the best course of action.
