An overnight windstorm toppled trees and caused power outages for many Vancouverites, but who is responsible for cleaning up the downed trees? BC Hydro spokeswoman Mora Scott tells Vancouver Is Awesome that a fallen tree is the utility’s responsibility to clean up only if it falls on their property, such as on a power line. Street trees in Vancouver, however, fall under the responsibility of the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board, the Park Board confirms in an email to VIA The Park Board also tells VIA that “crews and arborists are currently responding to 400 high-priority calls regarding downed trees and large tree debris on roadways,” including several trees near the Stanley Park Teahouse parking lot and Second Beach. “It could take up to two weeks to deal with it [over 400] reported trees felled as of noon today,” the Park Board adds. City of Vancouver engineering staff are also helping clear roads as well as catch basins to prevent flooding ahead of heavy rain expected Sunday (November 6). Vancouver residents are urged to call 311 to report downed trees.
