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Raining on the palm tree parade

Oak Bay council did not kill the proposed palm sale

Oak Bay council did not kill the proposed palm sale (a misguided venture for the local ecosystem if not for tourism as well). Council advised the permit applicants that the municipal hall front garden/Garry oak grove could not be used for the proposed sale event.

Council has made a principled decision to avoid support of this event. Individuals planting exotic species is one thing; wholesale support to change the community’s ecosystem for the sake of tourism is quite another.

Moreover, council made a clear statement to encourage citizens to plant and maintain our unique local Garry oak environment.

Let’s see more leadership like this from council, and more initiatives from local organizations and individuals to restore and enhance our Garry oak environment.

Rene de Vos

Oak Bay Green Committee