'This is affecting an ecosystem': Winnipeggers concerned over Hydro clear cutting
The sounds of chainsaws and falling trees came as an unwelcome surprise to some residents in the East Fort Garry area of Winnipeg.
Manitoba Hydro has begun clearing trees in Sandra Crowson Bay Park near power lines, a necessary practice according to the area councillor, but one done without prior consultation with the affected homeowners.
"The lack of consultation has to stop. These are important urban forestry lands. We understand that repairs happen, but in this case, there is no information on when, where, how the repairs are going to take place, and all the residents know to date is trees falling down and being lost to them," said Sherri Rollins, the city councillor for the area.
Work area for tree removal in Sandra Crowson Bay Park, June 3 (Source: Jamie Dowsett, CTV News)
Local homeowner Dan Roy said he approached a tree company employee this past Tuesday and asked what was going on. His home backs onto one side of the affected area. He was told they were going to clear an area about five feet wide and that they had to clear trees away from the hydro lines.
"The next day we come out, they are clearing everything 12 feet away from our fence. Everything," said Roy.
The importance of the forested area isn't limited to the area's residents, according to Roy. It's home to a number of urban forest dwellers like owls, foxes and turkey vultures.
"This is affecting more than just my view. This is affecting an ecosystem and an environment," said Roy. "This is 2021. Can we not be doing these things in a more environmentally friendly way?"
Rollins said she contacted Manitoba Hydro about concerns on the downed trees from residents, especially in light of the clearcutting that took place earlier this year in Omand Park.
In a statement to CTV News, a spokesperson for Manitoba Hydro writes, "We have to manage vegetation for reliability of our service to our customers and public safety, and completely understand it's sad to see trees removed. The poles in the area are scheduled to be replaced."
As for Rollins, she wants to ensure the remaining trees aren’t touched.
Downed trees in Sandra Crowson Bay Park, June 3 (Source: Jamie Dowsett, CTV News)
"We want to make sure this goes no further. There are no concrete plans that neighbours have been told. As a matter of fact, neighbours were told when they saw the trees going down on site," said Rollins.
Rollins said a second 12-foot clearing is in the works, similar to one done to near Roy's property.
Both Roy and Rollins also find the removals contrary to the Million Tree Challenge initiative endorsed by Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman.
"Why are they removing forest when the city is asking us to plant trees. I just planted three trees in my yard last year," said Roy. "And they are taking these things out like nothing."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.