Some Bonnie Doon residents are questioning the nature of development after a rare Burr was chopped down Tuesday.
The tree, believed to be between 60 and 75 years old, was one of three of its kind in Edmonton. It was located at 93rd Avenue and 94th Street, near a house slated for demolition. The homeowner, who plans to rebuild on his property, uprooted it to make way for construction, despite protest from some living in the area.
"I see it as a sadness for the neighbourhood," said Joe Danyluk.
"It's a tree that has gone through generations of community over the years and I guess this is progress."
The realtor who sold the home where the Burr was located argues that Edmontonians need to understand the push for revitalization may cost some green space.
"The redevelopment of new homes in the area is necessary to infuse new life in these neighbourhoods," said Robin Hage.
"There's got to be a little a sacrifice made. We are getting people to move back into the inner city neighbourhoods and it's breathing life back into the neighbourhood."
Hage also suggests people need to respect decisions that are left to homeowners.
"People have property rights. The tree is on his property and he should be able to do what he wants with it."
But Nancy Rempel disagrees. She's lobbying city hall to institute legislation that would protect what she believes belongs to the community.
