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Glenora residents have raised the alarm over what they are calling a "bait and switch" by City Hall, as news broke early this week regarding revised Valley Line West LRT plans that would see more than 1,200 mature trees, and at least 20 historic homes destroyed to allow for construction of the LRT tracks through the heart of the long-established residential neighbourhood. Argued by the City to be the only way forward now that it is has become clear that the LRT can no longer run down the middle of Stony Plain Road as previously thought, and necessary as well to allow room for construction crews to manoeuvre, the inevitable destruction is being pushed as the price of progress.
Set to cut a path along Stony Plain Road and 102 Ave, the latter through the heart of the historic Glenora neighbourhood, the Valley Line West LRT was originally pitched to area residents as a relatively unobtrusive addition, with renderings from as recent as last year depicting tracks down the middle of the area's tree-lined streets. Home as well to many of the city's best-preserved vistas of picturesque heritage houses, Glenora stands to lose at least 20 historic homes, the recently proposed removal of which has only added to local anger and accusations of dishonesty against City Hall.
Viewed above, from the same vantage point as the previous rendering, the corner of Stony Plain Road and 133 St NW will soon be the site of a West LRT Station, which will now require the removal of hundreds of mature trees, and several heritage homes, in direct contradiction to previous design proposals. Dating to 1939, many of the largest American Elm trees along the corridor were planted in celebration of the Royal Visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. While it remains unclear just how many trees and heritage homes will actually fall to make way for the revised LRT plans, it is clear that local residents will have just cause for concern as the project continues.
Worried about the future/past of Glenora and its majestic Elms? Let us know what you think of the City's new LRT plans in the comments section below!
