The province says the City of Fredericton can't begin construction in Officers' Square without final approval from the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.

Frederictonians gathered at Officers' Square over the weekend to protest the city's plan to cut down more than a dozen large trees.

The City of Fredericton plans to cut down more than a dozen trees in Officer's Square in the coming weeks as part of a plan to revitalize the square. The City says the trees have roots that run under the square that wouldn't survive being dug up. Residents are upset and are planning a peaceful protest this weekend.