The CRD wants to charge me an estimated $360 to find out what trees have been cut down in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park during the last 2 years.

The CRD wants to charge me an estimated $360 to find out what trees have been cut down in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park during the last 2 years.

By Sasha Izard
March 12, 2026

Last month, I wrote the following article:

Like wooden tombstones: The latest tree decimation in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. – CRD Watch Homepage

Having documented the cutting down of various trees in the park, I sent an FOI request to the CRD to find documentation of why they were cut down, and to see what other trees had been cut down in the park in the last 2 years.

My initial FOI request was for: All records regarding tree removals from Elk/Beaver Lake Park and the reasons for them.

Date range Jan 1, 20224 to Feb 19, 2026″

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On Feb 23, 2026 the CRD wrote back to me seeking clarification on the material requested:

Dear Sasha,

RE: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (the Act), Request for Access to Records

I am writing to advise that the Capital Regional District (CRD) received your request for access to information on February 20, 2026 for:

All records regarding tree removals from Elk/Beaver Lake Park and the reasons for them.

Date range: Jan 1, 2024 to Feb 19, 2026

You are likely not aware, but the first three (collective) hours spent responding to an FOI are free. However, staff have informed me that a broad request such as this is likely to go beyond this threshold, resulting in fees and processing delays. Would it be possible to narrow your request and the timeframe to guide the search for records?

For example, when you say “removal” do you mean bucking up down trees across trails (e.g. Report to Parks)? Do you mean trees abated (cut down, modified etc.) as part of Danger Tree Program? Or are you only referring to trees physically removed from the park (i.e. any tree abatement or trail clearing where the wood stays in the park isn’t technically “removed” from EB)?

I will put your request “On Hold” until I receive your clarification. Once I receive your clarification, I will provide you with the updated response due date. FOIPPA allows 30 business days for our response, except in special circumstances where limited extensions may be made. Your request will be queued and processed as soon as possible within this timeframe.

Please contact foipp@crd.bc.ca if you have any questions during the processing of your request.

Your file reference is: 0580.20/26-047

Regards,

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I wrote back to the CRD on Feb 27, 2026:

Hello,

To clarify:

“When you say “removal” do you mean bucking up down trees across trails (e.g. Report to Parks)?”

When I say removal, I am specifically referring to the cutting down of trees, or cutting off a section of trunk.

Do you mean trees abated (cut down, modified etc.) as part of Danger Tree Program?”

That would be included.

“Or are you only referring to trees physically removed from the park (i.e. any tree abatement or trail clearing where the wood stays in the park isn’t technically “removed” from EB)?”

As stated I’m specifically referring to the cutting down of trees, or cutting off sections of trunk. Removing fallen trees from the park is not part of the scope. The wording of my request can be modified to reflect this.

Thank you,

Sasha

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On March 12, 2026, the CRD wrote back to me with a Fee Estimate for the FOI (See Appendixes below.

Included in the fee estimate letter was the following:

“Deposit Required

To proceed with processing your request, we require a 50% deposit in the amount of $180.00, based on the estimated processing fees totaling $360.00.”

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I immediately wrote back to the CRD:

Hello,

As per your Fee Estimate Letter:

” Your Right to Request a Fee Waiver You may request to be excused from paying all or part of the fees. Under Section 75(5) of FIPPA, we may waive fees if: • You cannot afford the payment, or • The records relate to a matter of public interest (e.g. the environment, public health or safety)”

This matter relates to public interest, as it falls under all 3 categories provided as examples of public interest. It clearly relates to the environment, it relates to safety, as it is part of your danger tree program, and it relates to public health, as public health is dependent on parks and the ecology in them.

As this matter clearly relates to public interest under the examples you provided, I request that the fee for this FOI be waived in its entirety.

Thank you,
Sasha Izard

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