We are concerned to learn that Genstar is planning to knock down a significant number of giant old trees that run parallel to the railroad tracks in the new Riverside development. These trees are home to many types of wildlife, including bald eagles, owls, and hawks. At any given time, we hear the glorious sounds of nature thanks in large part to these beautiful old trees.
We have learned the trees are to be removed because they did not fit into the developer's plan. Then why not change the plan?
Isn't Riverside touted as being LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified?
We moved to St. Albert because the city appeared to have a unique approach to the environment, and it was progressive, with its expansive green spaces and natural settings. St. Albert appeared to prefer to preserve, rather than to bulldoze, everything in sight, unlike so many other communities.
We are not against residential housing developments, or progress, or urban growth. We live in a home in an urban setting, after all.
What we are concerned with is the destruction of nature and the habitats of countless wildlife, just because it doesn't fit into the "plan." We need to expect better.
Isn't St. Albert "the botanical city?"
Nancy Niederhaus, St. Albert
