Stanley Park to undergo major tree removal affecting traffic on key routes

VANCOUVER — In response to the ongoing hemlock looper moth infestation, Vancouver’s Stanley Park will undergo significant tree removal work, impacting major arterial routes, including the Stanley Park Causeway.

Approximately 160,000 trees are slated for removal to ensure public safety and protect critical infrastructure in the area.

The tree removal process will result in temporary traffic restrictions on key dates. On Dec. 10, and 16, and Jan. 13, 14, 21, and 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., one lane on the causeway will be closed, but traffic will continue in both directions using the remaining open lane.

During these times, northbound and southbound pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured through Stanley Park to the west or east side of the causeway/bridge, respectively. Additionally, on Dec. 17 and Jan. 28, from 8 to 11 a.m. there will be a full closure of the causeway and Lions Gate Bridge, with traffic rerouted over the Ironworkers Memorial/Second Narrows Bridge.

Visitors to Stanley Park should expect intermittent trail closures leading to the causeway during these operations. Everyone is advised to obey all signs and directives and to steer clear of active work zones for safety reasons.

Amit Gandha, director of parks at the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, emphasized the necessity of the tree removal, stating it is crucial for renewing the forest and enhancing its resilience against future threats.

The project is part of a multi-year effort, timed to align with bird nesting seasons and annual winter storm and wildfire preparations.

The looper moth outbreak has damaged about 25 per cent of trees in Stanley Park, extending its impact to parts of North and West Vancouver. The scale of damage has exceeded the capacity of internal staff, necessitating external assistance.

During the project, some dead trees will be left as nurse logs to aid ecosystem regeneration. The area will be replanted with thousands of native species, forming part of a broader initiative to manage invasive plants and create a diverse, resilient forest environment in Stanley Park.