Calgary homeowner calls city's removal of tree swing 'a sad day for outdoor play'

A northwest Calgary family's front lawn tree swing found itself on the wrong side of city hall when it was decided it violated tree protection bylaws.

West Hillhurst homeowner Nuvyn Peters said she was surprised to find a bylaw notice calling for the swing to be taken down from a tree, located on city property.

"I've been in this neighbourhood for about 10 years, and this is the first time that I've ever had an issue with a childhood tree swing," she said.

The swing, which had been there for around five years, "has been hours of fun and entertainment for all three of my kids," she said.

Peters said less than 24 hours after receiving the notice, a peace officer came to take it down, citing the need to protect trees on public property.

"If the branch dies as a result of this tree swing, the city would need to replace the tree, and it would cost me about $20,000, given the size of the tree," she recalled the peace officer saying.

"It's hard to get the city to do anything within 24 hours, but you know what? They were on the tree swing," she said.

Peters, who said she was going to comply with the notice prior to the peace officer's arrival, allowed him to take the tree swing down.

"I'm sad that my swing has to go," said nine-year-old Caius Peters.

His mother echoed that sentiment, calling it "a sad day for outdoor play for children."

The City of Calgary told CBC News the matter is now considered closed.

"Enforcement action is initiated only after a formal complaint is received, and any notices issued are based on the bylaw's requirements and expert evaluation of the situation," the city said in a statement.

Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong said it's bylaw enforcement's job to be "finding those violations and ensuring that they don't continue," adding that factors like potential danger to people or property should be taken into consideration.

"Taking down a swing off a tree ... seems a bit extreme to me, unless there is a true hazard to the property, to people using it, or to adjacent property," he said.

Peters said she was surprised the swing had been considered an issue by the city.

"Of all of the things that the city could be focused on, in terms of creating public safety, ensuring that neighbourhoods are safe and clean and vibrant and thriving ... I was just very surprised to come home from work and see this notice," she said.

She said having the swing there had been a benefit for the community.

"There's a ton of kids here, and it's a great opportunity for kids to run around, make friends, play outside and enjoy the outdoors," Peters said. "That's what you want their childhood to be all about."