Burnaby considers tree-planting proposal ahead of anniversary with Japanese sister city

Residents of Burnaby may get the chance to stop and smell the flowers more often, as a proposal to plant more cherry blossom trees in the city moves ahead.

The proposal was brought to city council on Monday by the Nikkei Place Foundation, which works to support the Japanese Canadian community.

Executive Director Keiko Funahashi says the foundation wants the trees planted ahead of next year’s 60th anniversary of the sisterhood between Burnaby and the Japanese city of Kushiro.

“The nearly 100 trees that will be planted will contribute to Burnaby’s urban forest enhancement initiative,” she said in the council meeting. “The trees and their bright seasonal colours will bring shades and joy to the neighbours and visitors.”

The row of cherry blossom and Japanese maple trees represent cultural diversity, Funahashi says, and will line the Highland Park Line Trail in the city’s southern region.

“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 leave for future generations,” she said.

Project advisory member Henry Wakabayashi says they’re also asking the city to help with watering and maintaining the trees.

“When you first plant the trees, for the roots to be able to survive, it takes four or five years where we’ll have to have a plastic bag there,” he said.

Burnaby City Council heard the foundation’s proposal on Monday evening and agreed to send staff to work on the plan.

This isn’t the first time Japan has inspired new trees in Metro Vancouver.

In the 1930’s, Japanese officials donated 500 cherry trees to Vancouver to honour Japanese Canadians who served in WWI, according to the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.