Drivers who journey down Boudreau Road are well aware of the beautiful canopy of trees that welcome us to that part of the city. I always look forward to watching those huge trees change with the seasons, and autumn is a particularly beautiful time.
Imagine my dismay this morning when I noticed a crew of workers out trimming the trees — or at least that is what I thought at first. Then I noticed the huge trunks being left as the men were tearing tree after tree down.
I am heartsick.
I understand that there is a time for a tree to be culled — when it is ill or is dangerous to others — but that is one tree and only in special circumstances. When a whole entrance to the city is irrevocably changed and undoubtedly harmed, I have to speak up.
When something this neighbourhood changing is going to occur, we need to be notified, have our voices heard and have the opportunity to be a part of the situation. Even if St. Albert plants new trees, it will be a generation or more before the beauty that has been destroyed today will be seen again.
Could there not have been discussions about choices? Alternatives? If there is a reason for this destruction, could some trees have been culled every five years, so that the change and growth of new trees had happened over time?
I am disappointed and saddened. I hope that others feel the same way.
Susan Miller, St. Albert
