I welcome new ‘smart’ development

RE: Hamilton missing a chance to grow tree canopy (Nov. 16)

I, too, live close to the piece of land (a field behind Wentworth Lodge) Mr. Warwick mentions in this piece. People in other parts of Hamilton may not have picked up from the article that the land is alongside the rail trail, a park, and then the entire sweep of conservation land that begins behind the University Plaza and runs all the way to Sherman Falls and Canterbury Hills, encompassing the Old Ancaster, Old Dundas and Lions Club roads areas, and more.

Planting trees to increase Hamilton’s urban tree canopy is a worthwhile idea. I can think of streets (Gage, Wentworth, Kenilworth, Sanford and many more) where a concerted planting plan would bring major lifestyle, health and esthetic improvement. But adding them to an already heavily forested area doesn’t make sense to me.

To use the writer’s phrase, “no educated person would question” … that the money to pay for new bike lanes, street lighting and other city infrastructure, must come from taxes and development. People are lined up, wanting to move to Dundas, where the housing supply nowhere near meets demand.

Designating a field surrounded by forest as additional urban forest does nothing to help cover the costs of transit and other essential and desirable city services, and creates zero new housing alongside our gorgeous natural areas. Smart, well-designed infill development on suitable pieces of land, does.

If we can prioritize the “smart” and “well-designed” aspects, I will be happy to welcome fresh development to the neighbourhood we share. Toby Yull, Dundas