Friends of Halifax Common is deeply concerned about the proposed plan to cut down 37 mature trees on the Halifax Common for the expansion of QEII hospital. These trees are not just part of our city's beauty but also contribute significantly to our mental and physical health. They offer shade, improve air quality, reduce storm water runoff and regulate temperature.

And they store carbon dioxide! It is estimated that it would take 269 saplings to match the carbon storage ability of one large urban tree approximately 1m in diameter. In an era where we are grappling with climate change effects such as Fiona, floods and fires, these trees' role in CO2 reduction cannot be overstated. These historic mature trees truly are irreplaceable. 

We support all efforts to improve our healthcare - but it does not have to come at the cost of our environment. Simply viewing nature improves health. With better planning, health care providers and their building designers, would do everything they possibly can to incorporate trees into their infrastructure and programming, including prescriptions for time spent in natural/naturalized settings dominated by such trees. 

Nova Scotians want better healthcare AND a healthy environment. We believe both can coexist with thoughtful planning and consideration; it is not either or, it can be both. We can protect the tree canopy along Bell Road, Summer & Robie Streets by setting back the new buildings from sidewalks so as not to harm tree roots

With this petition we urge Premier Houston, Minister Thompson, Mayor Savage and Councillor Mason to work together to reconsider this plan and find a solution that preserves these precious trees while still allowing for necessary hospital expansion.

Please sign this petition if you too believe in protecting our city's trees and green spaces while advancing healthcare services.

For more information please see: halifaxcommon.ca