Some city residents question the need to clear trees from the back of homes in the Juniper area as part of the City’s fire mitigation plan.

On City Beat last Thursday, Mayor Colleen Smook said the decision to remove the trees were made in consultation with experts on wildfires and urban interface fires.

These are scenarios where vegetation and homes mingle and meet.

Smook comments further here.

“If one did have trees right up to the back of their home, that could put an entire street or even neighbourhood at risk. I understand that people are upset about losing their trees around their homes but that action was for the best of the entire city.”

Responding to concerns that this action has reduced property values in the area, Smook said she didn’t believe having more fire protection would impact those values.