GuelphToday received the following letter from Sue Smith regarding recent removal of mature trees at Goldie Mill Park:
To the City of Guelph and all who are responsible for the recent destruction of several stately, mature trees at Goldie Mill Park: Shame on you.
Shame on your decision and your action in destroying the large, old trees in Goldie Mill Park. Shame on you for the absence of public consultation on this matter. You have let us all down.
It is well known and on the public record that these trees were the subject of a massive public outcry at the time of the building of the Guelph Youth Music Centre Parking Lot. The plan at that time included cutting down the trees and paving a parking lot in their place.
Once the public got wind of this absurd plan, which was hurriedly scheduled in August, 2009, there was so much push back against it, the city was forced to reconsider. Many citizens contributed significant effort and commitment to meet with city officials and come up with a better plan.
The community spoke. An agreement was made. The trees were to be protected. Did you forget? Did you ignore?
These trees were planted by those with some foresight and consideration for future generations. These trees can not be replaced in our lifetimes.
In one day, you destroyed what took 60 years or more to grow.
Your actions have contributed to climate change, have destroyed a source of public good, have ignored the community, have eroded faith in a democratic community process, have robbed our children of the aweinspiring experience of that once magnificent row of Norway Spruce, and have significantly decreased the canopy in Goldie Mill park, further diminishing the park’s heritage character.
Moreover, during a global pandemic in the course of which we are learning more and more every day of the profound significance of green space and park lands to our very well-being and good health, you have chosen to destroy this vital public resource.
Shame, shame, shame on you.
Sue Smith
