EnvironmentNews

The ups and downs of depaving projects in Sandy Hill

Marilyn Whitaker

Plants were thriving at the corner of Russell and Somerset East.
Photo Michel Gauthier

On September 24, 2016, many Sandy Hill residents came together to transform patches of asphalt along Somerset Street East into gardens of trees, shrubs and perennials. It was the culmination of many months of planning.

The initial project goals were to increase the tree canopy, beautify and green Somerset East, reduce paved areas on city property, and develop a process that could be used elsewhere. Discussions took place with adjacent property owners. Approvals by municipal officials and city council were obtained, and an agreement between Action Sandy Hill and the city was signed. City employees dug up asphalt from the municipal right of way and installed gardening soil. Large tubs were placed at three locations. Finally, purchased and donated trees, shrubs and perennials were planted.

Since then, the gardens have evolved as Sandy Hill Tree Group members, now the Sandy Hill Green Team, have tended them. An expanded garden and a raised bed were created as part of renovations at 395 Chapel Street.

There have also been setbacks. Tubs were damaged or destroyed during fires at nearby buildings. During street repairs on Russell, heavy equipment and materials were stored on the nearby bed. This summer, for example, garbage bins appeared on the bed beside the Quickie at Russell Avenue, prompting calls to By-law about garbage storage and disposal. Early October, plants at the front of the Quickie were cut to the ground by someone. Recently, the bins on the bed beside the Quickie at Russell Avenue have been moved, though longer-term arrangements are needed to protect gardens which were created with city and community support.

Gardeners are optimists and some plants are resilient. Those interested in restoring and enhancing these gardens or caring for other tubs and planters in Sandy Hill or those offering other suggestions can email sandyhilltreegroup@gmail.com.

Les jardins devant le Quickie sur la rue Somerset, plantés en 2016, ont besoin d’aide pour retrouver leur ancienne splendeur. Si vous aimez jardiner, le Sandy Hill Green Team vous lance l’appel : venez vous joindre à l’équipe!

Garbage bins appeared on the side garden bed this summer.
Photo Michel Gauthier
In October, all of the plants in front of the Quickie were cut down by someone.
Photo Michel Gauthier