4~— Wednesday, December 3, 1997 — North Shore News MLA blasts chop limits From page 1 referred the bylaw back to staff for a report on possible amendments. The bylaw is designed, in part, to prevent the clear-cut- ting of lots during rebuilding and renovations. Proponents of the cutting restrictions worry that the delay will result in a lot of trees becoming fire- wood as homecowncrs move to avoid any impending restric- tions, But opponents argue that the rights of property owners are ‘being overly regulated by the proposed changes and charge the district has no clear public support on the issue. “Every one of us is offend- ed by this intrusion on our private property rights,” said West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Jeremy Dalton. “This is ill thought out. It is wrong. It is an intrusion on our rights.” Dalton, who lives in the Edgemont area, threatened to ignore the bylaw if passed, risking fines that could range from $250 to $20,000. ““T. have quite a span of both hemlocks and cedars in my backyard and {can tell you those are my tees and if I wish to cut them down I will do sv. Iam nei going to pay you people $25 :o do that.” But = Janet’ = Benjamin warned council that the municipality itself could be facing lawsuits if the bylaw is passe “Trees grow up and then they fall down. It won't be an “Act of God” (an insurance term that precludes liability) when it falls on someonc’s house. It will be an act of mis- management.” In response to questio from Mayor Don Bell, env ronmental protection officer Mel Kotyk described the dis- trict’s existing environmental protection bylaw as a leader in standards of protection for trees on municipal property and environmentally sensitive land (stream borders and heavily sloped land). But Kotyk said the dis- trict’s standards for tree pro- tection on private property were fess than cutting edge. Current regulations require permits for the cutting of trees 10 centimetres in diameter or more on district land and environmentally sen- sitive areas on private land. The standard applies to approximately 82% of land within the district. Tree-cutting permits for the remaining 18% — primar- ily non-environmentally sensi- tive private land — are only required for trees with a diam- eter larger than 75 centime- tres. The City of Vancouver earlier this year created a 20- centimetre standard on pri- vate property, while some other Lower Mainland munic- ipalities have protection stan- dards set at 40, 50 and 60 centimetres. Staff recommended to council last week that the pro- tection standard for trees on private property be set at 30 centimetres, but a majority vote on council was only found for a 40-centimetre standard. On Monday, Mayor Don Bell took the unusual step of allowing further debate at the bylaw’s adoption _stage because of the increased pub- lic opposition. Heal named NV board head Robert Galster News Reporter robert@nsnews.com NORTH Vancouver School District 44 has a new chairman to serve for the next 12 months. School trustee Patricia Heal will fill che role vacated by outgoing trustee Guy Heywood. It will be Heal’s second term as chairman of the board. “lm hoping ‘we're going to have a more £ adding that she also positive year,” said He: hopes to build up morale within District 44. “Td like to get back to what we're here for, which is education,” She said the last nwo years have been cough on the district and its province-wide reputa- said Heal. tion in large part because of the attention its previous budget woes received. In early 1986, then-education minister Art Charbonneau fired the entire North Vancouver School Board and replaced it with a single appointed trustee, In addition to Heal’s appointment, the PP board also voted to appoint trustee Doug MacKay-Dunn as the new vice-chairman. Coun. Ernie C posed the referral to staff for. a report on issues raised by council and the public by Jan. 12. He suggested that a height restriction rather than one based on diameter might be instituted. Coun. Janice — Harris opposed the deferral, noting: “As with secondary suites you can defer ... and ‘extend ‘the process ... but in the end it comes down to your own best instincts.” Narrows searched for body A car with the keys in the ignition and hazard lights flashing was found parked in the middle of the Second Narrows Bridge on Sunday at 3.a.m. North Vancouver RCMP found a wallet and money in the car’s front seat. Police feared the car’s owner, Chi Sing (Alan) Tang, 46, of Vancouver, committed sui- cide by jumping off the bridge. Tang worked as a janitor for the Vancouver School. BC Playthings Mon-Sat, 10am-Gpm 1065 Marine Dr. North Van 1375 Kingsway, (at Knight) Vancouver, B.C. Tel: 876-2201 Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sunday 12-5 Parking at the rear Recliner Sale & a a! Monatele fumitins jurnilins Board. His family had not seen him for more than a full day before his car was found f on the bridge. « The Coast Guard and | Vancouver Police Depart- ment boat were involved in a. search of the water under the Second Narrows, but found no body. Anyone with informacion about Tang is asked to, call North Vancouver constables Tan Daniels or Alison Covie at 985-1311. — Anna Marie D’Angelo J PICK UP YOUR NEW “ail “Get Comfortable” Since It’s bigger & better than ev t We! re celebrating with exclusive coupon savings - storewide. Just pick up a copy of our Coupon Book. But do it today! 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