A section of the seawall in Stanley Park will be closed for an extended period this fall to allow for the removal of dead trees.
From November 4 to December 6, the seawall between Third Beach and Prospect Point will be closed for the tree removal project.
The dead trees being taken away are those impacted by the hemlock looper moth, an ongoing issue in Stanley Park.
The looper moth outbreak started on the North Shore in 2019 and spread to Stanley Park, where the insect was identified in 2020. The moth’s attack on the forest has led to “significant tree mortality,” according to a report issued in early 2024.
The second phase of mitigation work started in mid-October and will finish in early 2025, followed by replanting in spring 2025, says the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.
Tree work will concentrate on areas heavily used by the public adjacent to the Aquarium, Brockton Point, Chickadee Trail and along the northwest seawall.
As part of the work, a helicopter will be used at times between November 14 and December 7, for the safe removal and transport of the felled wood from the cliffs above the seawall. That helicopter will only be deployed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
The parking lot at Prospect Point will also be closed.
Additionally, Stanley Park Drive from the Causeway off-ramp to Prospect Point picnic lot will be subject to periodic 15-minute closures.
The park board will also use this time to conduct their annual work to stabilize and maintain the slope near Siwash Rock.
Temporary detours will be in place for those looking to bike, walk or roll the seawall during the closure period.
The hope is to get both projects handled concurrently to minimize closures and disruptions for Stanley Park's visitors.
With a file from Mike Howell
