'More concrete and parking': Critics concerned over Hawrelak Park trees after FOIP request
Members of Edmonton's River Valley Conservation Coalition board say a freedom of information request shows the city plans to remove trees in Hawrelak Park to make room for infrastructure during the controversial three-year rehabilitation project at the park.
Eric Gormley and Raquel Feroe say the 450-page document shows why each of the 220 trees will be removed.
"They put a lot more effort into manicuring it than maybe keeping it natural or thinking about what the natural amenities are in the park," Gormley said.
“We see for example that an Elm tree is being taken out to expand parking. We’re losing trees not just because of infrastructure needs but a desire to expand infrastructure so more concrete and parking,” Faroe told CTV News Edmonton.
In a written statement, the city's branch manager of infrastructure delivery says some trees are being removed to accommodate new infrastructure, and others are safety hazards.
“Some of these areas are narrow and the only way to accommodate the path is the removal of trees," Craig Walbaum wrote. "Another area is the amphitheatre where improvements to safety and accessibility will be made. Trees near the seating area and perimeter create mobility and safety issues which will be addressed in this project.”
He added the tree preservation plan is still being finalized, and the city is still exploring options.
Feroe says that's not a good enough answer.
"I would like the project to be paused and reconsidered in its entirety. Short of that, I’d love to meet with the contractor and see if they have any room to move on some of this nonsense.”
Council is expected to get an update about the work at the park in May, which will include details about all the trees impacted by the rehabilitation project.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Marek Tkach.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.