Chine Drive, south of Kingston Road
I took a spin over to Chine Drive this afternoon for the first time in years and was reminded once again what a pretty street it is.
I was motivated after learning that Chine residents are fighting a move by the City of Toronto to build sidewalks on the street.
Reconstruction is being considered to address several issues including the poor road condition (Chine hasn’t been resurfaced since 1984) stormwater management and pedestrian safety, particularly for children who attend Chine Drive PS.
Chine residents are opposed to sidewalks because it would mean the destruction of a large number of trees, many of them more than 100 years old.
Mark Cullen supports residents
On the weekend, Canada’s best known gardener, Mark Cullen, wrote a post siding with the residents. Among other things he called Chine Drive “the prettiest street in Ontario” and said he’s shocked they have to fight to save mature trees.
You may want to also check out the residents’ Facebook page: Save Chine Drive Forest. The Facebook page includes a clipping from the Toronto Star in 1970 that says the biggest fear of residents…is sidewalks.
Hmm this is a tough one for me. I much prefer sidewalks because they are easier for me to walk on than the road. I have balance problems and, because roads are slanted on the sides to prevent flooding, they make me more prone to tipping over. I imagine it’s not good for anyone to walk on that slant. But how can you kill trees? How can you ruin such a beautiful sight? Ugh, I don’t know.