A Nanaimo man has been sentenced for cutting down a tree of significance on his own property.
On Wednesday, a judge handed Mladen Zuvich a fine of $12,500.
City Prosecutor Troy DeSouza says it’s the largest fine delivered in B.C. for someone who cut down a tree on their property.
In January 2017, Zuvich enquired about getting a permit to cut the old Douglas Fir down on his Jingle Pot Road property and was told he could not cut it down.
He ordered it cut down anyhow. The tree was 55 inches in diameter and an estimated 170 years old.
It was a joint submission.
Zuvich was represented at the sentencing by a lawyer. He represented himself at the trial and was found guilty in October.
The city’s prosecutor says they’re very satisfied by the outcome.
The contractor who cut down the tree Dwayne McIntyre is also facing prosecution. His next court date is set for Jan. 24.
Kendall Hanson
