KING GEORGE BOULEVARD EXPROPRIATION

SURREY, B.C. 

CLIENT:  TONY MCDONAGH

Surrey’s expropriation of a wide strip from our client’s property presented several major concerns beyond just the value of the land taking.  The loss of a significant portion of the mature tree buffer along King George Boulevard was problematic.  As part of the future development of the site as a townhouse project the development would have to provide a significant tree buffer along King George Boulevard.  A value for the loss of these trees, and subsequent replacement had to be factored into the compensation.  Replacement of these trees with small pyramidal cedar hedging as proposed by the City was clearly not adequate.

Also of concern was the long term survival of the trees that might have their root structure damaged by the road works and the construction of a required retaining wall.  Conditions had to be put in place to ensure either the long term survival of the remaining trees was assured or replacement at no cost to the owner at the time of development.