The Boxelders at Coldstream Cenotaph Park that were aggressively pruned due to their encroachment on the power lines (Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Trees Encroaching on Power Lines

B.C. Hydro footing bill for tree replacement at Coldstream’s Cenotaph Park

Oct 30, 2025 | 12:02 PM

Two trees at Coldstream’s Cenotaph Park are going to be cut down due to their encroachment on the power lines.

A report from the District of Coldstream said two Boxelders had grown too close to the electrical infrastructure, raising the concern of them damaging the lines.

B.C. Hydro aggressively pruned the trees, allowing the lines to be undisturbed but it ruined the aesthetics of the trees, and the district said the branches would grow back and encroach on the lines once again.

The district said the trees “are majestic and beautiful” and provide a lot of shade for the park, but conceded that they were not the right species for that location.

Coldstream Council agreed that the trees should be removed and replaced with more suitable ones such as Honey Locusts or Azure Maples. The new trees would also be planted a further eight or ten feet away from the current ones to reduce the risk of them encroaching on the power lines once again.

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B.C. Hydro had previously offered to remove the existing trees and pay for their replacements. Council voted in favour of having the elder trees cut down and the new ones planted at the expense of the utility provider.

The trees at the back side of the park will not be disturbed.

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