'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
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Woman, 18, killed by co-worker's vehicle on Highway 1 in Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw police say an 18-year-old woman who was at work has died from injuries she sustained in a collision with a vehicle being driven by her co-worker last Thursday.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
MPs to vote on NDP motion calling on Canada to recognize Palestinian statehood
Members of Parliament will vote Monday on a motion from the federal New Democrats, calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine,' among a range of other calls to action in regards to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.