Metrolinx grants ‘temporary reprieve’ to historic trees at Toronto’s Osgoode Hall – Toronto

Five historic trees growing in downtown Toronto will not be cut down immediately to build a new subway station.

Trees on the grounds of Osgoode Hall, in the University Avenue and Queen Street area, were to be removed by Metrolinx as part of its Ontario Line construction plans.

To allow a station at the intersection, the provincial transit agency had said it would have to cut down the five historic trees.

After being rebuffed by many people, including Toronto Mayor John Tory, Metrolinx agreed to have a third party intervene in its plans. But then, predictably, he reversed that decision around November 22 and said plans would continue to cut down trees.

Now the Law Society of Ontario – located in Osgoode Hall – and the provincial transit agency say the trees will be allowed to remain, at least temporarily.

« Metrolinx has now agreed that this removal is not necessary to facilitate an archaeological assessment of the Ontario Line station that Metrolinx is proposing for the site, » the Law Society of Ontario said in a statement Tuesday.

In a statement sent to Global News, Metrolinx said it had found « an alternative method » to continue construction.

It is not known how long the reprieve will last.

The bar said the future of its green space « remains uncertain », describing the relief as « temporary ».

In its statement, Metrolinx also hinted that the latest development may not be permanent. He said he could « begin archaeological work at the site of the future Osgoode station before removing the trees ».

The transportation agency did not respond to a question about the trees’ long-term future.

The Law Society of Ontario said it « will continue discussions to explore all reasonable options to mitigate or eliminate the impacts of the Ontario Line development on Osgoode Hall and its grounds, while balancing the complex needs of Toronto and the region ».

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