It’s the end of an era for a beloved centuries old Garry oak in Oak Bay.
On Wednesday, the iconic 200-year-old Garry oak tree standing proudly on Beach Drive met its end, as Oak Bay crews carefully removed it due to safety concerns.
For generations, the tree offered a picturesque backdrop for photographs but also served as a cherished habitat for local wildlife, including herons.
However, in recent years, its precarious lean and deteriorating health had raised alarms among community members and officials. There were concerns that the aging giant could collapse onto the sidewalk, posing a potential hazard to passersby.
Officials began measuring the lean of tree in 2018 and noted it would move a little every couple months before stabilizing for about 8 months, said parks manager Chris Hyde-Lay.
In 2021, the tree canopy was significantly reduced in hopes of preventing further leaning. However, when this approach proved ineffective, Oak Bay officials explored all options to save the tree, including repositioning the sidewalk.
A stability pull test was also conducted, simulating a wind gust, which revealed abnormal movement at the root collar, according to Hyde-Lay.
The District of Oak Bay had posted a notice on the tree, alerting the public of its impending removal. This announcement prompted an outpouring of emotion from residents who all had formed some type of connection with the historic oak over the years.
On Monday, a touching scene unfolded as people from all walks of life gathered beneath the tree’s sprawling canopy to pay their respects. They left heartfelt letters, poignant poems, and cherished books nestled within the tree’s ancient trunk.
Stories were shared, memories recounted, and tears shed as Oak Bay residents said their final goodbyes to a beloved symbol of their town’s natural beauty.
But while the tree may be gone, its legacy will live on. Plans are already underway to ensure that the wood from the fallen oak is put to meaningful use.
It will be donated to a program at the nearby Glenlyon-Norfolk School, providing students with a tangible connection to the area’s rich natural heritage.
Additionally, efforts will be made to offer the lumber to local First Nations communities.
The tree will be replaced by another Garry oak that was donated by a Oak Bay resident.
Hyde-Lay told Victoria Buzz that the replacement will be a mature tree grown locally by Kimoff Wholesale Nursery in North Saanich.
