WATCH: BC Hydro cuts trees, raises complaints

WEST KELOWNA – Some urban logging in West Kelowna has raised the ire of some people in the neighbourhood.

Without advance warning, BC Hydro had seven road-side trees cut down in front of Patti Grady’s house because they were growing into power lines.

“I feel like we’ve been infringed on and this just isn’t fair, isn’t fair at all,” says Grady, adding she believes it will diminish her property value.

Grady believes the trees should have been trimmed or topped rather than completely removed.

Afterwards, Grady tracked down and talked to the contractor with the chainsaw.

“He didn’t understand why they cut down the trees the way they did, it could have been handled differently. His orders were to cut the trees and not notify the owner. He knew he was doing something that was going to terribly upset the homeowners.”

BC Hydro is looking into the situation and will meet with Grady on site.

“If this property owner wasn’t notified we regret that because we certainly try to let folks know when we remove trees from in front of their property. It’s not an obligation, it’s just the right thing to do,” says Dag Sharman.

Grady is hoping the utility company will re-landscape the area.