Editor’s note: This letter was sent to members of Chatham-Kent council.
It was with regret and dismay that I learned of the renewed plans to remove trees from Victoria Avenue; 16 this year and another 14 possibly to follow.
As this comes after a loss of a substantial number of trees due to last August’s exceptional weather event, the plan will have the effect of doubling the devastation.
It is doubtful that the rationale behind this proposal – to prevent injury to pedestrians and avoid liability to the municipality – is supported by the history of accidents (and fatalities) caused by falling branches in Chatham. It is a reasonable assumption that taxpayers do not expose themselves to unusual hazards during storms.
There is moreover no reasonable demand on any social institution requiring the removal of any and all remotely potential risk to every person in Chatham-Kent. Life entails exposure to reasonably accepted risk; driving on Highway 401 provides more injuries, not to mention fatalities, than casual strolling under the trees on Victoria Avenue.
The further deforestation of Victoria, added to the gaping spaces already existing, will have a visually disconcerting effect on the elegance and stately ambiance of the avenue.
It is precisely this charm that attracts taxpayers to the pleasure of walking, dog walking, jogging and socializing between and under its double row of trees daily.
It might also be noted that the value of the real estate on the street (and the taxes) are not unrelated to the pleasure of living in this location.
It is moreover unfair to those who have made the investment of purchasing residences there to deprive them of the environment they paid to inhabit.
As a tourist destination, this city does not need another deficit; our unique Victorian heritage and architecture have already suffered enough due to a lack of foresight.
Furthermore, as a city that declared a climate emergency, should we be careless about removing this many trees, each of which removes a ton of atmospheric carbon dioxide annually while replacing a ton of oxygen? As well, the carbon stored in the tree root system will be released.
Another solution needs to be sought. Perhaps the removal of obviously diseased trees and branches only, and the immediate replanting of trees cut down, including those taken down in the past is the answer.
We must approach the preservation of our architectural and cultural Victorian heritage setting with care and concern, as values for the future and its generations, if we are to leave them any of it.
John Arts
Chatham
