ABOUT a dozen mature trees were saved by City council after pressure from the community.
It’s a Christmas present to the community.
The dozen or so mature trees on Dwight Avenue which were meant to meet the axe to build a sidewalk have been saved from being cut down.
City Council on December 15 voted unanimously in favour of a motion to save the trees along Dwight.
Councillor Mark Grimes said on social media he moved a motion requesting that City staff postpone the sidewalk installation along the west side of Dwight, between Birmingham Street and Maple Avenue.
He hopes any “future reconstruction of Dwight does not impact the mature trees.”
HEALTHY TREES saved fir the future of all of us. Staff photos.
There was much outrage in the community after it was learned that the healthy trees were to be cut down to build a sidewalk. There were protests and letters written to lobby politicians to save the trees.
City officials said the growth of tree canopy is a priority for the city.
“From 2009 to 2018, the tree canopy in New Toronto nearly doubled, increasing from 8.7% to 15.2%,” Grimes wrote. “While this is one of the highest growth percentages in our Ward, I agree that removing these trees is contrary to our goal of further increasing our tree canopy across the city.”
Council voted to reaffirm its commitment to reaching a 40% tree canopy cover by 2050.
It did not take long before nature lovers took to online media to express their joy and appreciation that the trees were saved.
“Wonderful! Such good news! Great Christmas present for South Etobicoke,” wrote Miria Mcadam.
“Thank you to everyone who advocated for the trees to stay,” said Barbara Hansen. “Good job South Etobicoke.”
“This has been quite the saga,” said Leslie Scanlon. “Congratulations.”
“YAY YAY YAY! The trees are saved,” exclaimed Patti Pokorchak. “What a wonderful present it is to all.”