'It’s a bummer': Edmonton chops 77 trees near cemetery for new sidewalk, bike lanes

Crews were chopping and chipping in south central Edmonton Friday, as 77 mature trees were removed to make way for a new sidewalk and separated bike lanes.

Crews were chopping and chipping in south central Edmonton Friday, as 77 mature trees were removed to make way for a new sidewalk and separated bike lanes.

For decades, the city-owned pine trees stood in the Pleasantview neighbourhood, separating Mount Pleasant Cemetery and 106 Street near 53 Avenue.

"It’s not just trees man, I don’t know," said an emotional Samuel Didderichs as he watched the work.

Didderichs walks the route to work. His grandmother is buried in the cemetery.

"I visit her grave and it’s like, it's just part of my life. But it’s like, oh, they’re cutting everything down, making way for bike paths, you know?" He said with a shrug of disappointment.

The tree removal is part of a neighbourhood renewal project.

The area’s city councillor says residents are right to scrutinize tree removals, but in this case, Michael Janz believes all of the proper consultations were done.