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Protection of Mature Trees a Priority

Old Newmarket is a very desirable place to live primarily because of its beautiful mature trees and expansive tree canopy; yet I continue to be dismayed when new home buyers and developers are so quick to remove the very thing — trees — that make this area so desirable and special.  Ideally, I would like to see ‘old Newmarket’ designated as a heritage conservation district where its healthy, old-growth trees are fully protected on both private and public properties.

The two grand old oak trees on my property in the Park Ave - Beechwood area are what sold me on buying my home.  I’ve been here for almost 7 years now and, in that relatively short time period, I have either witnessed or heard about dozens of beautiful, healthy mature trees being cut down here (possibly as many as 100).  That’s a tragedy that never should have been allowed to happen.  And we must stop it from ever happening again.

Most municipal private tree bylaws manage the permitted destruction of mature trees through a compensation program for their ‘value’ by requiring the planting of a certain number of young trees.  While the investment in young trees is important, it does not come close to replacing the many benefits of large, mature trees.  I consider the old growth trees in our neighbourhoods as part of The Commons.  These trees provide shade, act as windbreaks, remove carbon dioxide from the air, filter pollutants from the air and release oxygen, intercept and store rain water, block traffic noise, and provide important habitat for wildlife.  And trees also increase property values and improve mental health!  These benefits belong to all of us.  Trees are living, breathing, communicating organisms that deserve to continue living.  I consider myself a ‘guardian’ of the oaks, maples, ironwoods, beech and spruce trees on my property.  I know someone whose farm this was originally and I reassure her that I am protecting her family’s trees — at least on my property.

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