Port Hope citizens gathered at Lions Centre Park on Saturday, April 23, 2022 trying to stop the removal of 2,700 trees.
The rally was spearheaded by the group Save Our Trees Port Hope who is advocating to stop the clear cutting and discuss alternative matters or even if it`s necessary.
For at least 80-years industrial waste has been buried underneath the 2,700 trees with no harm to anyone.
Neighbours say they have not been consulted by the municipality who is recommending the removal of the trees, despite two options provided by the PHAI that would be safe to the community along with preserving the trees.
Greg Burns who is chair of the group submitted a number of questions to council none of which have been answered.
Why were the Port Hope Lions Club and the Legion allowed to host daily events on the property if there is a health risk?
Why did the municipality not post signs warning people who use the park that there is a health risk?
Where is there any scientific or anecdotal evidence of harm to the community?
“None has been provided to us,” said Burns.
The group of approximately 150 at the Lions Centre shouted several times “Save Our Trees.”
A petition was available for people to sign that will be presented to council.
Two people came dressed up in protective gear and ceremoniously chained themselves to one of the trees.
Burns is making a presentation to Port Hope Council on May 3, “and we’ll see what happens after that,” said Sue Stickley.
The trees are scheduled to be cut down at the end of August or early September.
Claire Holloway Wadhwani who is a member of the Save Our Trees Port Hope board said there are 50,000 trees threatened through the Port Hope Area Initiative remediation cleanup.
Holloway Wadhwani said the removal of the trees is not because of radiation, “but to low levels of other contaminants like arsenic that have been deemed safe to human health at those levels.”
Holloway Wadhwani said the group is asking for an opportunity to “revisit the decisions that were made 20-years ago on the basis of what we know now in 2022.”
“We’re calling on our elected officials and town staff to work collaboratively with the people who make up this municipality, to weigh the risks of contaminants in our soil against the very real risk of the loss of our tree canopy.”
No council members showed up at the rally on Saturday.
After a number of people spoke about the importance of the trees, people were invited to wrap a green ribbon around the trees.
Holloway Wadhwani said even if council wasn’t at the rally, she hopes they are listening.
“They should know that we are listening. We are paying attention. And we are going to continue to pay attention and to follow these decisions. We will be here to speak for the trees and to demand transparency.”
Laura Liberty spoke about growing up in a home that backs onto the lot of 2,700 trees and spoke at the rally.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen.
My name is Laura Liberty and I have been able to call 16 Ross street my families home for 44 years. I was born in this house. I have loved living here. It’s like living in the country but right downtown Port Hope. The woods has to be the most amazing neighbor. It not only provides a beautiful backdrop to look at,
Privacy but also a wonderful home for tons of wildlife.
My earliest memories are exploring the woods with neighbouring children, family and friends.
We were able to enjoy the woods all year long. It has always been used by the local public, it’s funny very few people outside of a few blocks even know it exists. But the ones that do love walking by and admiring the trees.
I have 3 children who have enjoyed exploring the woods and watching the wildlife just as much as i did while growing up. I have been brought up to respect and explore the forest, and so they have too. They understand we leave nature alone so we don’t disturb where the bunnies, foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, owls and too many types of birds to count live. We feed the animals, provide bird baths and feeders all over our property which adjoins the woods. We have Encouraged the wild life my entire life. Over 40 years! I find it heartbreaking to think that all these mature trees are going to be removed.
“The Forest” as my children refer to it as is part of our history. People do not dig here. They do not drink from the stream. We have composted here and used the soil for our flower beds and gardens.
If the woods were so dangerous why would we not be informed?
My father was always the one who cleared up fallen branches after a storm, or dug out the st Mary’s stream year after year, my family owns 130 feet of that stream but nobody has ever informed us to stay out of it, that it’s leaching toxic waste or to not clear fallen branches or bush or to not keep the stream flowing, and maintained.
Nobody from the town ever offered to clear fallen branches or clean up the Forrest?
The toxic waste and low level is so far under the ground and now after all these years and you’re going to dig it up because it’s such a health concern for what? For who? The two houses? The empty school? The neighbours who walk their dogs?
I am very confused how we have been able to own the adjoining property for 44 years and never been told to not go through the woods or use the woods or public park where all this toxic waste is?
If it’s such a health concern to remove all these trees who is responsible for not letting my family know? To let The neighbours know?
We had zero say or any input before it went to council March 15, 2022, that 2700 trees were going to be removed. No information was sent to us previously.
Where are all the animals going to go? There are too many animals to count that will be forced to find another place to live for what? Our local eco system will be effected? Who is responsible for that? The saplings your supposedly replacing the 2700 trees with will not be delivered and planted before the animals need to build dens this winter. Think of the life long effects not only is this going to do to our local neighborhood but my families life long home. Leave the trees alone!
Thank you
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
