Photos by Barry Wallace
Despite recent assurances to concerned citizens, by consultant Brett Sears of WSP and King CAO Dan Kostopoulos, King's 15th Sidreoad between Nobleton and the 8th Concession has just undergone a massive road allowance clearing of trees (see photos here). Despite assurances that recommendations "...in the Transportation Master Plan are not cast in stone", or that no roads "will be converted overnight, if at all", the photos here appear to prove that the skids are being greased. Sears also stated that the "bulldozers aren't warming up". Well the chainsaws sure have been busy. Mayor Pelligrini has pointed out the 15th is not even on York's 10-year projection. If it only took a week to cut down so many trees, why the rush to do it 10 years in advance? CAO Kostopoulos reminded citizens that nothing in the TMP is a given - council has the ultimate authority over every project. Still, despite the non-possibilities alluded to by these gentlemen, the total cost of King's share for full implementation of the Transportation Master Plan, is projected to be $28 million. Does that include the 15th Sideroad? Why are we always told what may not happen instead of what will probably happen?
This tree had a 48" diameter
Marked for future destruction?
And if cutting and slashing isn't enough, this sign warns locals that a controlled burn of the York Regional Forest Nobleton Tract will be undertaken during the month of March.
Please comment if you wish.
Barry Wallace
I find the political attitude towards tree preservation when it gets in the way of development deplorable.
ReplyDeleteYou see the same thing all of the time when a new subdivision goes in. They cut down all trees, strip out the top soil and then replant new trees later and return a fraction of the topsoil back. I am sure that if prospective homeowners were given a choice they would pay a premium to have the old mature tree left in place.