As spring bursts into bloom in Burnaby, a local charity hopes to plant more blossoms along a “barren” trail.
The Nikkei Place Foundation, a Japanese Canadian charity based in Burnaby, wants to plant a row of almost 100 cherry blossom and Japanese maple trees along Highland Park Line Trail in Edmonds town centre.
The foundation, which supports the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, asked city council for support, in the form of project approval and maintenance of the trees, at a meeting March 25.
“The trees and their bright seasonal colours will bring shade and joy to the neighbours and visitors,” said Keiko Funahashi, executive director of Nikkei Place.
Representing Japan, Canada and the cultural diversity of Burnaby, the trees would be funded by longtime Burnaby resident and philanthropist, Ken Shinozaki, who envisioned the project.
She said annual cherry blossom events at the Nikkei Centre have garnered more than 3,000 guests and suggested there could be be a major Burnaby cherry blossom festival.
The proposed location starts behind Nikkei Centre and runs west towards Gilley Avenue along Beresford Street, Funahashi said.
She described the trail as frequented by neighbours though also a “barren open space” with overhead power lines.
While BC Hydro has right-of-way on the trail and Fortis BC has underground gas pipes in the area, Nikkei Place is close to getting formal approvals to plant in the area from both organizations.
Funahashi said the foundation has also spoken with the City of Burnaby’s forestry staff about maintenance.
“It’s timely that this project proposal coincides with the week when the beautiful cherry blossoms cover the city,” she said. “Our wish is to bring this stunning spring display to this part of Burnaby. The planting of these trees is a long-lasting gift to the community that will be a legacy Burnaby will do for future generations.”
The row of trees could be named after Burnaby’s sister city in Japan, Kushiro, in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the affiliation in 2025.
Councillors expressed interest in the idea, though some had reservations.
Mayor Mike Hurley wanted to ensure the tree maintenance would fit into city staff’s workload.
Coun. Alison Gu said she supported the idea but noted the city is currently working on an urban forestry plan, which would establish ideal types of native species that are resilient to a changing climate.
She said while Japanese maple is resilient and suited to the local climate, cherry blossoms may not be.
Council unanimously referred the presentation to staff for further work with the foundation.
