The Humboldt tree is special

Re: “Remove tree for bikes, crosswalk? Group wants it saved,” Jan. 24. While I deplore the destruction of so many trees in our downtown, I am particularly upset about the proposed removal of the Humboldt tree. The Humboldt tree stands at the head of the harbour, welcoming tourists and guests to the city. It is a big tree, a majestic tree. It says: “This is a city that loves trees.”

Many of us walk by it every day. We look up at it as we wait for the light to change. We shelter from the sun or the rain under it. On a wet night, the raindrops on its leaves sparkle in the light of the street lamps.

Many a dark winter night, I have stood under the tree with complete strangers whistling and clapping to make the lights in the tree change colour and brightness. Then we share a laugh together before we continue on our way.

I agree there are problems with the corner, but imaginative cities find ways to solve problems without destroying the things that make the city livable. Put a traffic light at Humboldt to control cars crossing Government — this would better protect pedestrians and ease the traffic merging onto Wharf. Don’t allow right turns on red lights.

City hall says it considered alternatives and this is the best. These are the people who gave us shared bus and bicycle lanes, apparently unaware that buses and bicycles travel at different rates of speed.

City hall, think again. Save the Humboldt tree. Noreen Marshall Victoria