The recent felling of two ancient maple trees, by a developer hoping to get City approval to build townhouses in Port Credit, has alerted a number of residents to the fact there is nothing in law to keep people from chopping down trees that were growing here long before the arrival of Europeans to this continent. 

No power on private property

According to Ward 8 Councillor Katie Mahoney, the City can control the removal of trees on municipal land, but has no powers on private property.  She says the Province has had some legislation on the books through the last three governments but has failed to bring anything forward.

Curtail free rein

While we do have a way to save historic homes by giving them a heritage designation, we have nothing to protect trees.  And that is not to say we believe all trees should be protected - that would be impossible and impractical.  But there should be some formal protocol in place instead of allowing lumberjacks free rein to cut down historically significant and species rare trees.

Community meeting

On Wednesday, a meeting will be held from 4-8 p.m. at 29 Mississauga Rd. N., the site where the two Port Credit maples were destroyed.

It is a gathering of people who want to save our trees and they're looking to form a united front.  Instead of just talking about it, here's a chance to act.