Metrolinx will move ahead with plans to chop down historic trees on Osgoode Hall property
Metrolinx has given notice of its intent to cut down five historic trees on the grounds of Osgoode Hall after previously suggesting that it wouldn’t move forward with the clearing until the completion of an independent review.
The transit agency tells CP24 that the trees need to be removed in order to accommodate the upcoming archeological assessment of the property. That assessment is being conducted before work begins on a new Ontario Line station in the area.
The trees are located along an iron fence near Queen Street and University Avenue and are believed to be hundreds of years old.
Metrolinx says that a draft notice was recently shared with the Law Society of Ontario for "further discussion." That notice suggested that the removal of the trees would take place on Dec. 5, however Metrolinx says that date could change.
“Work plans for the area are still being confirmed and discussed with partners. Once they are confirmed, we will share them with the community,” a statement provided to CP24 notes. “Metrolinx continues to communicate extensively with the Law Society of Ontario as well as the local community. This includes a community meeting that we will be hosting in the coming weeks to provide updates on plans for the Ontario Line Osgoode Station.”
Metrolinx faced criticism this summer over its plans to tear up a portion of the grounds of Osgoode Hall, including from Mayor John Tory.
In a statement provided to CP24.com, Tory’s spokesperson Don Peat said that the mayor “has a mandate from voters to get transit built” but expects Metrolinx to be “respectful of the communities around” future transit projects.
He said that Tory met with Metrolinx about the Osgoode Hall site after raising concerns this summer and “will be following up again in the days ahead.”
“Before any trees are removed by Metrolinx, we want to see the City of Toronto’s independent review of the Osgoode Station site,” Peat said. “We would expect that report will be public and we further expect that Metrolinx will discuss all its plans publicly before any work is undertaken.”
The 15.6 kilometre Ontario Line will run from Exhibition Place in the west to the Ontario Science Centre in the east.
One of the 15 stations will be located underneath the corner of Osgoode Hall’s property near Univeristy Avenue and Queen Street West.
Speaking with reporters at Queen’s Park on Tuesday, Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said that while he can appreciate the urgency to get transit built, Metrolinx has “an obligation to explore all possibilities" and should do "whatever is needed in reason to preserve those trees."
“It's my understanding that there's been alternative proposals put forward on how those trees can be protected by changing the design and placement of the particular transit stop,” he said.
The excavation work required to construct the station is expected to begin in July and run until March, 2026. The city says that there will be a construction staging area set up within the Osgoode Hall property, though some temporary lane closures will still be necessary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.