During this second phase of tree removal, crews will remove trees along Centre Street [from Dufferin Street to Bathurst Street], on Bathurst Street [from Centre Street to Highway 7], on Highway 7 [from Bathurst Street to Yonge Street] and on Highway 7 West [from Bruce Street to Commerce Street].

why are trees being removed?

Highway 7, Bathurst Street and Centre Street are being widened for rapidways—dedicated lanes in the centre of the road for rapid transit. Trees that are located within water main replacement, utility relocation and road widening areas need to be removed to allow for this work activity to proceed.

how many trees are being removed vs. preserved?

During this phase of removals, approximately 800 trees of varying health and sizes will be removed. Special effort has been undertaken to protect 1,215 existing trees in both the east and west corridors. In addition, 38 trees have been transplanted to three parks in Vaughan.

will any new trees be planted?

Once the rapidway project is complete, landscaping will include over 1,000 new trees and 8,000 new shrubs. Highway 7 West and the Bathurst & Centre area will have attractive, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks with a carefully curated selection of trees, bushes and plants. For details on what will be planted and why, check our blog post called “Choosing plants for colour, form and structure”.

what impacts will there be during this work?

Being mindful of the community, crews will remove trees in sections and chip the wood off site, which will then be used for landscaping purposes. All areas will be cleaned up before moving on to the next location.