Beloved Kits Beach Landmark Sparks Outcry Over Planned Demolition

A massive, 800-year-old cedar stump that has long been a cherished icon and playground at Kits Beach in Vancouver is now facing removal by city staff, who see it as a nuisance and safety hazard. Earlier this month, crews began sawing the gnarled, elephantine trunk of driftwood into pieces, but had to stop after locals expressed outrage over the plan.

The stump, which experts estimate weighed as much as a jumbo jet when it was felled, has been anchoring the beach in the Kitsilano neighborhood for decades. For many residents, it is a reminder of the area's history as a logging town and connection to the natural world. Former city councillor Colleen Hardwick, whose family has lived in Kitsilano since the early 1900s, says the stump has been there her whole life and that her own grandchildren play on it today.

However, the city views the landmark as a potential threat to nearby infrastructure like seawalls and stairs, particularly as the region enters the stormy "king tide" season. Park Board staff say the stump needs to be removed for safety reasons, despite the community's attachment to the centuries-old driftwood. While some commissioners tried to intervene, the decision ultimately lies with parks staff, not elected officials.

For many locals, the issue is not whether the stump poses a risk, but rather the lack of effort to protect this beloved piece of the city's history and natural heritage. Filmmaker David Fine, a longtime Kitsilano resident, calls the stump "elegant, powerful, beautiful" and laments that it will soon be gone, taking with it a tangible connection to the area's past.