Waterloo forum to investigate green space, depletion of trees

WATERLOO — Disappearing trees and green space in Waterloo have prompted a grassroots group to hold a public forum next month.

“There’s definitely fewer trees,” said Kae Elgie, one of the event organizers. “We need to understand both sides of the issue.”

Elgie is part of the Waterloo Citizens Forum, a recently formed group of citizens who are interested in development in the city.

“We found ourselves at similar council meetings,” said Elgie, who has lived in Waterloo close to the uptown for about 35 years.

Speakers will include a city planner to talk about Waterloo’s current strategy for providing parks and green space, a developer to discuss green space goals in intensification proposals, an ecologist to talk about the environmental impacts of tress and forests, and an environmental psychologist who will explain how natural environments improve physical and psychological well-being.

“I think it will be a very informative event,” Elgie said. “We’re hoping there will be lots of great questions and lots of discussion.”

The goal is to get a better understanding of the issues because following a development application as it goes to city council isn’t the best way to do that, she said. There are many facets to those proposals, Elgie said, and “trees are one small part of it.”

Backed by a more fulsome view, the group can then campaign for green space and trees “before they’re all gone.”

While Elgie said the evening is focused on Waterloo specifically, “most of these issues apply to anyone in the region.”

The forum is being held on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Holy Saviour Church, 33 Allen St. E. in Waterloo.

Space is limited. Register at parksforum.eventbrite.ca.