A hearing is set for Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. in the latest development in the battle to save trees on the grounds of historic Osgoode Hall Park in downtown Toronto.
On Saturday Metrolinx was ordered to pause its demolition after an appeal was submitted by Haudenosaunee Development Institute.
Crews had arrived Saturday morning to continue the removal process.
On Monday people who travel passed Osgoode regularly said they felt confused, frustrated or sad about a key part in green space possibly being lost within the city.
Tiffany Watters, a student who lives in the area, said she isn’t sure what she should feel, and is unsure if the project will continue.
“I’m not sure what to feel to be honest, or what will even happen,” Watters said.
Watters said that the community should have been included more with planning the placement of the Osgoode Station for the new Ontario subway line, and wonders why the city, or Metrolinx didn’t reconfigure their plans when people began getting upset.
“If the city or Metrolinx knows that people are mad and upset about this situation, why are they continuing to do it?” she said.
“The community should be included more,” Watters said.
Peter James, works nearby and said he enjoys the scenery that comes with Osgoode Hall.
“I work nearby and it’s sad that they want to place the new station in Osgoode. It’s nice scenery to look at or walk past even on a nice day like this,” James said.
However, James said the process of construction has been frustrating within the area, by having to pause construction, leaving the equipment and mess behind and increasing delay.
“The injunction has also been irritating too, having to start construction and then pause it instantly after,” James said.
Caroline Irwin, lives near the Queen St West and University intersection, and enjoys the green space regularly as it lies within the heart of the city.
“Whenever I go on a walk it’s nice to be able to see some green space in the city,” said Irwin.
Metrolinx, a government agency that controls transportation within the Greater Toronto Area, is currently planning a new 15.6 kilometre subway line called the ‘Ontario Line’ from Exhibition Place to the Ontario Science Centre.
Last May, it was announced space within the garden outside Osgoode Hall would be needed to build a station entrance at the northeast corner of University Avenue and Queen Street West.
The grounds and fencing here currently date back to the Canadian Confederation in 1867.
The removal process of the trees already occurred when the court order came through. Trees within the Osgoode grounds can now be seen as heavily trimmed, or completely removed from the ground.
Aftermath of destroyed trees laying within Osgoode Garden. Photo credit: Jess Kerr
The Build Ontario Line Differently community coalition (BOLD) said this is about more than just the destruction of several trees.
“The choice for Metrolinx is clearcut. Engage in real consultation and change your tactics or expect more delays as the people of Toronto and all those impacted by the project fight you at every stop,” the group said in a statement.
Irwin told Humber News that it’s nice to see historic green space like this within the city, compared to all the tall buildings and condos, filling the city with nothing but grey.
“It’s a change to be able to see such an older piece of land in our city compared to all the tall apartment buildings on every corner,” she said.
Irwin hopes that the Osgoode grounds are reanalyzed for placement without having to destroy history, and green space.
“I hope that Osgoode is reconsidered and they figure something out without having to destroy all of the history here,” Irwin said.
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