Senior residents of Dodd's Lake Manor staged a sit-in Tuesday, Aug. 5 to protest the threatened removal of aspen trees on the east side of the property.
Led by 90-year-old Isabelle Roberts, a group of more than 20 seniors and family members held a protest by two stands of trees bordering the park beside the manor.
“On Friday afternoon around 4 p.m. I got a knock on my door and was told that the trees in front of my ground floor apartment were going to be removed,” said Roberts. “They had already taken my birdhouses and I still don't know where they are.”
The feisty senior said she was told the “trees were going down on Tuesday morning,” which led to the gathering.
“I got mad. And when I told the other residents and my granddaughter, Shawn Pears, we decided to protest,” said Roberts who was prepared to chain herself to the trees to stop their removal.
Her granddaughter's boyfriend had attached a chain to a tree in preparation.
“People have lived here for years and no notice was given,” said Pears. “These people love their trees and spend time watching the birds and squirrels chitter-chatter back and forth. Removing the trees would not only take away their entertainment but also change the shade on the east side of the building.”
Parkland Foundation's CAO Marie Flowers was in attendance and listened to the concerns.
The CAO shared a report from Didsbury-based For Trees Company, which addressed issues of dead leaves, dying trees and trees with the potential to fall down. It went on to recommend the removal of six trees from the stands as well as tree trimming to prevent further damage.
Residents of Dodd's Lake Manor were unaware of the problems and upon reading the report, confronted Flowers and questioned the conclusions.
They were able to get a concession – the trees wouldn't be cut down until the residents were able to get their own recommendation on the status of the trees.
Other concerns raised during the impromptu meeting included the replacement of previously removed trees, and issues with maintenance of Dodd's Lake Manor and its management, which Flowers listened to closely.
“If you would like to send a letter to the chair of Parkland Foundation and outline your concerns, we are having a meeting in late August and will discuss them,” added Flowers.
Pears was pleased with the response of Parkland Foundation noting that officials “needed to respect their residents.”
Residents now have until Aug. 21 to have an arborist report prepared and outline their concerns.
