A Clash of Values Between Community Heritage and City Infrastructure

The massive cedar log at Kits Beach is a cherished symbol for many, a place for play and contemplation, offering views of the North Shore and the ocean. However, city officials view it differently, considering it a safety hazard that needs to be removed.

Earlier this month, the city began to dismantle the log, but the work was halted due to public outcry. Experts estimate the tree was approximately 800 years old when it fell, weighing as much as a jumbo jet. The log's presence on Kitsilano Beach is a mystery, but the neighborhood has transformed from a hippie haven to a modern urban center.

Former Vancouver city councillor Colleen Hardwick, whose family has a long history in Kitsilano, remembers the log from her childhood. She emphasizes its significance as a reminder of the past, a time when the timber industry was dominant and Vancouver was a logging town.

City officials, however, see the log as a liability. Parks Board staff state that the log poses a risk to infrastructure, particularly during king tide season. They are removing it to protect structures like seawalls and pathways.

Park Board Commissioner Tom Digby attempted to intervene, but it was too late. He viewed the log as an iconic symbol of nature's power. Many residents are disappointed by the lack of effort to preserve the log.

Filmmaker David Fine, a long-time resident, expresses his sadness at the prospect of its removal. He highlights the log's beauty and its role in connecting the city to nature. He believes the city should have explored options to secure or relocate the log.

The city has not announced a timeline for the log's removal. Fine argues that while there are significant global issues to address, the community's well-being is also tied to these smaller, local elements.