Woman chains self to tree

Photo: CTV

A stand off has begun on Vancouver Island between a regional district and a tree-loving woman.

The Cowichan Valley Regional District is planning to remove a maple tree, which some say is 1,000 years old, from a parking lot in Duncan.

CVRD chair Jon Lefebure says the tree is “reaching a moderate to high risk of failing and possibly harming someone.”

Seairra Courtemanche has taken up residence in the giant tree, chaining herself to a branch, and says she will remain in the tree until plans for its removal are changed.

“I have deep love in my heart for this tree,” Courtemanche said. “When you take away this tree, you’re taking away a memory of a way of being, of something that the Earth creates.”

Other members of the community have rallied around Courtemanche’s cause.

“This does not belong to them. It does not belong to an elected official. It belongs to all the people,” said John Henry.

One man said he had met his wife at the tree, years prior.

“I don’t care if I have to sit in this tree for the rest of my damn life,” Joseph Duffey said. “My son’s going to find his wife here same as I found mine."

Regional district officials say a bulge on one side of the tree is a sign the entire tree could come down, posing a risk to the public, and the protesters.

The CVRD has not said if they will be seeking an injunction to have the tree-dwelling protesters removed. 

- With files from CTV Vancouver Island