Tree removal in front of Essar Centre got you stumped?

A row of ash trees has been recently removed along Queen Street, despite city council approving treatment last month.

Larry Girardi, commissioner of Public Works and Transportation for the city, said those trees in the area of Essar Centre were too far gone to save.

He said there was also a concern leading into the Greyhounds home opening celebrations that those trees may have become a danger.

Tasha Varpio, manager of the Downtown Association, said she is sad to see them go but understood that they were dying and could not be saved.

“We look forward to working with the city for a plan to replace them,” she said.

Girardi said a committee will be set up to determine what trees, if any, will take their place.

“We don’t want to rush to a decision,” he said.

Previous SooToday coverage of this story:

Council OKs ash treatment for this year

(PHOTO: Tree stumps from recently-removed ash trees are seen September 16, 2014 on Queen Street near the Essar Centre. Michael Purvis/SooToday)