It seems to be up to residents to preserve Kitchener’s trees

17 Jan 2022

Re: Councillors vote to increase tree canopy — Jan. 12

On the day this article appeared, I was preparing, along with other neighbours, for a meeting with the developers of a proposed three tower development at the corner of Park and Victoria streets in Kitchener. The developer worked in consultation with city staff for three years on the initial proposal before residents were given notification.

Included in the various studies required as part of the developer’s application for a zoning amendment is an arborist assessment of the existing trees on the property, and a vegetation management plan.

After three years, here is the plan: Of the 51 trees inventoried, only three will be preserved. These trees are actually on city or adjacent property to the development site. A total of 27healthy trees are to be cut down, nine of which are owned by the city. As a result, a substantial section of Park Street will lose the mature tree canopy which gives the neighbourhood its character and makes the street pedestrian-friendly. Of course, there is also the obvious environmental impact. So now it will be the residents who stand up against the developers, city staff and council to preserve the tree canopy that makes our streets livable.

Gwen Wheeler Kitchener