Trees are an important part of the Ottawa’s infrastructure. They are essential as they absorb stormwater, filter for urban pollutants including noise, absorb CO2, help cool the air, provide shade and homes for wildlife. There are many advantages to having a healthy tree canopy in Ottawa. I support all initiatives to preserve and increase Ottawa’s tree canopy.
Unfortunately, sometimes trees do need to be removed to make way for major projects. Even in this case it has to be done with careful consideration to minimize the number of trees affected.
This October and November 2019, many trees are being cleared in preparation for Stage2 of the LRT. The city worked to mitigate the number of trees that had to be removed. Even within the clearing areas, every effort was made to save the ones that could be saved.
Area restoration, tree replacement and greenspace re-seeding will be completed as part of the final local area finishing works. An overall average tree replacement ratio of 2:1 (two trees for every one removed) will be replanted along the Stage 2 LRT alignment.
The LRT Stage 2 Team is holding public two open house meetings to discuss the on-going work on the project.
