Residents express concern as Pickering begins prep work for phase 1 construction of Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park

Stumps and sawdust have replaced the trees that once lined Beachpoint Promenade, which fellow resident Craig Bamford says has attracted people from across the Greater Toronto Area. The city has posted signs that warn residents of the upcoming changes as part of the master plan, but Bamford says he felt unprepared for the number of trees that have been chopped down. “I am devastated by the extent of the clear-cutting which has occurred here,” he said.

Heather Jakobsen, who also lives near the park, had taken up photography to snap some photos of the wildlife the trees attracted, such as racoons and scarlet tanagers. With the city removing most of the trees in the area, she fears the animals may no longer pay a visit to the park.

“There are going to be lots of birds coming in for a place to stop over before they go north,” she said. “It’s not going to be here.”

Phase one of the plan, which is set to include a picnic area and parallel parking, saw the removal of trees to make way for the changes, but Pickering Coun. Maurice Brenner says many of the trees needed to be removed regardless of the plan. He says he too, has noticed a huge change in the face of the area.

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