Tree Removal in Stanley Park
byOver the last few weeks there has been a tree removal program happening in Stanley Park to clear out those compromised by the ongoing hemlock looper moth infestation. There’s a plan to remove approximately 160,000 trees in an effort to support public safety and mitigate risks to key infrastructure in and around Stanley Park.
Tree Removal in Stanley Park
This is a multi-year project with essential work timed to support bird nesting season and in cohesion with annual winter storm and wildfire preparations.
Around 25% of trees in Stanley Park have been damaged by the looper moth outbreak, which has also affected parts of North and West Vancouver. While individual trees continue to be managed and removed by the Urban Forestry team as needed, the scale of the damage now exceeds internal-staff capacity and external personnel are required to mitigate risks.
As this work is underway, some dead trees will be left in place as nurse logs to support regeneration of the surrounding ecosystem. Impacted areas will be replanted with tens of thousands of native species, including Douglas fir, western red cedar, grand fir, big leaf maple and red alder.
Coupled with extensive invasive plant species management, the long-term goal is to reset the ecology of Stanley Park and create a more diverse, resilient forest environment.
Upcoming Road Closures
When the single Causeway lanes are closed, traffic will flow in both directions via the remaining open lanes leading to and from Lions Gate Bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists will have the option to detour through Stanley Park or to the opposing side of the Causeway to continue their journeys.
| Date | Time | Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 27 | 8am to 2pm | One lane closure on the Causeway One lane in each direction will be retainedSouthbound pedestrians and bikes will be detoured through Stanley Park and to east side of the Causeway/bridge |
| Jan 28 – morning | 8am to 11am | Full closure of Causeway and Lions Gate Bridge to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians Traffic detoured over Ironworkers Memorial/Second Narrows Bridge |
| Jan 28 – early afternoon | 11am to 2pm | One lane closure on the Causeway One lane in each direction will be retainedSouthbound pedestrians and bikes will be detoured through Stanley Park and to east side of the Causeway/bridge |
Updated (February, 2024)
- Saturday, February 3: 7:30am to 2pm: Single lane closure on Lions Gate – southbound pedestrians and bikes will be detoured through Stanley Park to eastside of the Stanley Park Causeway/Lions Gate Bridge.
- Sunday, February 4: 7:30am to 11am: Full closure of the Bridge/Causeway to all vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. During this full closure, traffic should use the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing.
- Sunday, February 4: 11am to 2pm: Single lane closure – southbound pedestrians and bikes will be detoured through Stanley Park to eastside of the Causeway/Bridge.
Park visitors will also experience intermittent closures for trails that lead to the Causeway during these times. It is crucial that everyone obeys all signage and directives, and avoids active worksites within Stanley Park for their own safety and that of staff working within the park.
Read more from the Vancouver Park Board here.
