A group of residents in Surrey are rallying to save a giant redwood tree in their neighbourhood.
The tree, located at the southwest corner of 133 Street and 104 Avenue, could be cut down if plans go ahead to build a housing complex on the site.
But nearby residents say the tree, which is hundreds of feet tall, is an important part of their neighbourhood.
Kayla, 23, who asked for her last name not to be used, lives a few blocks away and has started a Facebook page and a petition to raise awareness about the tree.
“I can’t believe how many people are involved already,” she said, as she only started the campaign a week ago.
She and her friend used to walk by the tree every day when they were growing up and going to high school, but they never noticed it because it is almost invisible from the road.
Kayla said the tree is half on city park property, and half on private property, so it does make matters a little more complicated when it comes to decisions.
“But there’s no other tree in the area like that,” she said.
City staff received an application to build a multi-family midrise on the property back in 2010, but it hasn’t advanced any further since then.
For Kayla and other residents, they just want to make sure the tree is around for many years to come, regardless of what happens.
“It’s a part of our community,” she said.