Toronto community saddened after beloved iconic tree cut down without explanation – Toronto

A Toronto community is heartbroken after it observed an iconic tree was minimize down with out rationalization in late September.

The Don Valley Tree nicknamed “Cricket” and “The Tree” was situated in E.T. Seton Park, on the backside of the park entrance highway off Thorncliffe Park Drive.

In response to a petition created to get it replanted, the tree was not only a tree to residents.

“Apart from offering a lovely sight and shade on scorching days, it fashioned a particular meet up place for a lot of communities together with mountain bikers, path runners, hikers, canine walker and households,” the petition wrote.

“That is the place of us from all instructions (actually and figuratively) got here collectively to attach, share tales, snigger, relaxation and catch our breath earlier than persevering with our path into the valley.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolis of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PFR) informed World Information it’s endeavor a “capital building challenge to enhance and improve the driveway to Thorncliffe Park Boulevard and the pathway by means of E.T. Seton Park.”

They went on to say the staff discovered questions of safety on the fork on the backside of the driveway and commenced to debate totally different choices to enhance on them, which included the potential want to chop down a number of timber.

Nevertheless, the Metropolis stated whereas it was seeking to rent a non-public arborist to “look into the vegetation administration,” the contractor already working the challenge moved forward and minimize down two timber on Sept. 29.

“No permits had been issued by City Forestry for the removing and PFR employees didn’t count on these timber to be eliminated at this level within the challenge’s timelines.”

An investigation is underway into the removing of the timber and the City Forestry’s Compliance and Enforcement unit will look into potential tree substitute to “compensate for the lack of the timber.”

As of Thursday morning, there have been over 593 signatures on the petition. A number of feedback had been left expressing unhappiness and concern.

One commentator known as the timber “symbolic” and stated he was “deeply saddened.”

Whereas one other wrote, “For the quick time I’ve been mountain biking, this tree introduced me many reminiscences. I’ve even climbed this tree, and now it’s gone.”

“I’m heartbroken that cricket tree was eliminated with out motive,” wrote one other. “For over twenty years, once I trip my bike within the Don I’ve stated to my mates, ‘See you at cricket tree.’ Now the panorama is empty and ugly, and for what motive?

“Cricket tree additionally supplied shelter for quite a few animals and bugs over time, and at one level there had been a bee hive hanging there. Why was this carried out? Why did you’re taking our tree away?”