A section of Vancouver Stanley Park’s seawall will be closed throughout November to allow for further removal of hemlock trees.

The seawall between Third Beach and Prospect Point will be closed from November 4 to December 6.

The City of Vancouver said in a statement Friday that the seawall section would be closed “due to the risks of removing these logs on higher slopes and to ensure the safety of crews and park visitors.” The car park at the Prospect Point cafe will also be closed, while the section of Stanley Park Drive from the Causeway ramp to the Prospect Point picnic area will be closed periodically at 15-minute intervals until the work is completed.

Vancouver Park Board continues phase two project to cut down an estimated 160,000 trees in the park. The felled trees weakened or killed by the western hemlock looper moth infestation are part of the city’s plan to ensure public safety and reduce wildfire risks.

On the contrary Much criticism from environmental groupsThe green light was given to continue the second phase of the project in October.

The second phase of the project is planned to be completed in early 2025, followed by replanting of trees in the spring of next year, the city said. Most of the tree work will focus on typically busy sections of the park, including areas next to the aquarium, Brockton Point, the Chickadee Trail and along the northwest seawall.

Between November 14 and December 7, a helicopter will be deployed periodically to safely lift and transport cut wood from the cliffs above the seawall. Operation of the helicopter will comply with the city’s noise control ordinance and will operate during daylight hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Also throughout November, park management teams will conduct their annual work to stabilize and protect the slope near Siwash Rock. The simultaneous project will see teams remove unstable materials from the slopes and check whether the rock layers are securely attached to the main wall.

“Making necessary repairs along with this critical tree removal work will help minimize the impact on park visitors and reduce the likelihood of needing to close this section of seawall at a later date,” the park board said.

The city said temporary routes will be implemented for those who want to bike, walk or round the seawall during this time.