Trees were in focus when city council approved a development permit application Monday night for a residential/commercial development next to the Prestige Harbourfront Resort at 131 Harbourfront Dr. NE.
One topic of concern for residents when the development was first proposed in 2008 and again this year is the fate of the willow trees that border the property and the waterfront walkway.
Council adopted a motion requiring a covenant be registered on the property that would restrict the removal of a willow tree unless it is replaced with a suitable tree species. In addition, the approved landscaping plan requires the planting of more than 70 trees on the site, not including replacement of the 13 willows.