360: Columbia Street landscape changes as RIH expansion begins

Large heritage trees that once lined Columbia Street and stood in the way of a hospital expansion have all been cut down now.

The largest of the 21 trees – an eight-foot Silver Maple tree – was around 100 years old.

The thought of cutting the old trees down once sparked controversy in Kamloops. However, no one protested last week as they were cut down.

The space will one day be filled by a Royal Inland clinical services building expected to house about 10 clinical services as well as expand parking.

Check out a 360-view of the area without the trees.

The smaller, memorial trees directly in front of the hospital are expected to be transplanted to another location at a date yet to be determined.