Some Metrotown-area residents are lamenting the loss of an urban forest that included an orchard of fruit trees.
The @metrotowner Twitter account posted a photo of an apple, saying that the last of the fruit picked before the trees were cut down had been eaten – adding that a Burnaby era “has come to an end.”
“Let it be known that the original Old Orchard is no more,” the tweet said. “We just ate the last apple of the last of the original Old Orchard fruit trees recently destroyed at what used to be #Metrotown’s #KathleenForest.”
The trees were cut down in the 5900 block of Kathleen Avenue to make way for a 34-storey rental tower featuring 324 units.
A #Burnaby era has come to an end. Let it be known that the original Old Orchard is no more. We just ate the last apple of the last of the original Old Orchard fruit trees recently destroyed at what used to be #Metrotown's #KathleenForest.https://t.co/qRiFGf9TXv pic.twitter.com/KIEBJa8jBE
— Metrotowner (@metrotowner) January 24, 2022
The project, which has received federal financing because it will include 100 below-market rental units, has been controversial due to its design and the loss of cedar trees in the forest.