Tree Removal

Starting early Friday, February 17, our contractor will begin removing trees from the site of the NIC Housing Commons.

While work schedules can change quickly and timelines can shift, we expect the work to take place over the long weekend, with the majority of tree removal taking place on Friday and Saturday.

This weekend, you can expect to see the following changes:

• Work crews: You’ll see tree-falling equipment, arborists and work crews on site.
• Traffic: Vehicle traffic on College Campus Road near the Aquatic Centre may be affected temporarily to be sure crews can safely cut and remove the trees without damage to passing vehicles.
• Walking: We expect the safety fencing will need to be moved out into the pathway to ensure pedestrian safety, blocking the paved walkway around campus for a short time. If you plan to walk the loop around campus, we ask that you take a detour, up onto Ryan Road and back down through the Aquatic Centre parking lot.
• Noise: The tree removal process is loud, and may disrupt activities closest to the site.
• Parking: Crews may need access to the lot closest to Ryan Road in Lot B. If you are unable to find parking in Lot B, please drive west to Lot A where there are usually spaces available, even during peak periods. Please save the Aquatic Centre parking lot for their patrons only.

WHY NOW?

• Bird nesting season: We are required to remove the trees before bird nesting season officially begins in March.
• Less activity on campus: The timing of tree removal over the weekend will mean fewer interruptions for most NIC classes as well as the Beaufort Children’s Centre on campus.

WHAT’S NEXT?

• Donation: The trees will be stacked and removed from the site as part of a donation to the K’ómoks First Nation. Some timber will also be made available to NIC Trades Training and the Comox Valley School District for educational purposes.
• Walking routes: In the coming months, you’ll see walking NIC path markers that indicate alternative walking routes both here, at the Comox Valley campus, and in Campbell River.
• Remaining Trees: After the removal, the Comox Valley campus will have 2,200 trees remaining on the campus.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

If you have a question about the project or its timelines, please email HousingCommons@nic.bc.ca.