Devastation of our Urban Canopy

TORONTO’S TREES THREATENED

The year 2013 should be a wakeup call for Toronto, both citizens and politicians. Two extreme weather events caused greater losses than in any other year. First there was the extraordinary flooding that hit the GTA in July, described as the most costly disaster in Ontario’s history – $850 million property damage, of which $171 million was Toronto’s share. Then the December ice storm that caused devastation, particularly to our trees – and cost Toronto $108 million.
Communities in Toronto need to understand that our changing climate will lead to an increase in these extreme weather events, both in frequency and severity. Yet there is no reason to resign ourselves to the inevitable. There are steps we can take, both at the level of civic governance and individual householders. Two things hold us back: a lack of appreciation of how to adapt, and what can be done to reduce the risks of these weather events.

For Our Grandchildren is sponsoring a community panel that will have recommendations for preserving Toronto’s tree canopy.
Jaye Robinson, Ward 25 Councillor, will moderate the panel. Panel members are Mark Cullen, Toronto Star Columnist, Janet McKay, executive director of LEAF, an organization committed to keeping Toronto Green, and Hilary Cunningham, a Professor of Cultural Anthropology at University of Toronto.

When: Thursday, February 13th at 7.30 pm – 9 pm.

Where: Lawrence Park Community Church, 2180 Bayview at Lawrence

Public Transport – TTC Bus East from Lawrence & Yonge Sub-way. Church is 2 small blocks south on the West side of Bayview

Reserve a seat on line. Click on Events @ www.forourgrandchildren.ca

This panel could well change how Toronto protects this natural resource. Be sure to attend.