Community Rallies Against Deforestation in Kingston

[ad_1]This section is PresentedThis section was produced by the editorial department. The client was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication.by HAVEN HOME HEATING & AIR CONDITIONINGLocal environmentalists are arguing that the impact on wildlife should have been evaluated before any cutting started. Published Mar 19, 2026 • Last updated 3 days ago • 6 minute readOver 40 protesters gathered to oppose clearcutting happening at Mile Square near Taylor-Kidd Boulevard and Coronation Boulevard in Kingston on March 18, 2026. Photo by Bill Hall /The Whig-StandardArticle contentA group of more than 40 activists are standing against clearcutting that is occurring in Kingston’s west end. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERSSubscribe now to read the latest news in your community.Unlimited online access to all articles on thewhig. com. Access to subscriber-only content, including History: As We Saw It, a weekly newsletter that rips history from our archives, which span almost 190 years. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalism and the next generation of journalists.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your community.Unlimited online access to all articles on thewhig. com. Access to subscriber-only content, including History: As We Saw It, a weekly newsletter that rips history from our archives, which span almost 190 years. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalism and the next generation of journalists.Create an account or sign in to keep reading.Access more articles from thewhig. com. Get email updates from your favourite journalists...Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authorsor Article content Around a hundred acres of abandoned farmland at Taylor-Kidd Boulevard and Coronation Boulevard-known locally as Mile Square block-have been clearcut recently. According to Sarah Knight of Friends of Collins Creek, a new advocacy group, property owner Bernie Robinson-a businessman and farmer-claims he’s using the land for farming purposes. Even though Robinson’s farm is situated along Highway 2, he also owns some land in Amherstview's west end-much of which hasn’t been used for years.The locals believe that an evaluation of how valuable this area is for wildlife should have happened before any clearing started.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article content"They’re still cutting, and right now I’m not sure exactly when they’re going to stop, and no one seems able to answer that question," Knight said during Wednesday’s protest.Sarah Knight leads protesters calling on Kingston City officials to intervene against ongoing clearcutting at Mile Square block near Taylor-Kidd Boulevard and Coronation Boulevard on March 18, 2026. Photo by Bill Hall /The Whig-StandardKnight mentioned that Robinson has avoided obtaining necessary permits or environmental assessments due to a specific bylaw exemption."The agricultural exemption allows landowners who use their property primarily for farming not to seek permission," she explained.The City of Kingston’s Tree Bylaw #2018-15 does regulate tree removal but offers exemptions for standard agricultural practices.Clearing trees for farming operations-as defined under Ontario's Farming and Food Production Protection Act-is allowed particularly within designated agricultural zones where this land is located.The Kingston Whig-Standard's Noon News RoundupYour weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it please check your junk folder.The next issue will be soon delivered directly into your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up please try again.Article contentThis advertisement has not loaded yet but your article continues below.Article contentIn an interview with The Kingstonist Robinson maintained he follows all rules regarding bylaws. "As a farming operation we’ve been using this land traditionally for over sixty years applying best practices while feeding our animals with crops grown here,” he said.This area had also served as an unofficial park space enjoyed by dog walkers and hikers until early last year when private property signs were put up limiting access.<With help from city councillor Lisa Osanic representing Collins-Bayridge District friends have pushed for a stop-work order<We’ve even submitted a motion asking province officials for a cease-work order long enough so proper assessments can take place,” Knight stated “Despite falling within this loophole there are many protected species here covered under other legislation.”<This advertisement has not loaded yet however there still exists continuing coverage beneath here.Joyce Hostyn member associated with Friends of Collins Creek shared during Wednesday's rally concerning numerous threatened species previously residing there whose habitats were destroyed. “One such creature includes pileated woodpeckers which hold federal protection status-they create homes suitable even accommodating around fifty other types." she noted adding “Owls live inside those holes left behind.” Hostyn highlighted how pileated woodpeckers prefer mature trees possessing larger diameters since only then could these bore out cavities. “We won’t find sizable trees growing like those again anytime soon-it could take one hundred fifty years." she added

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Community Rallies Against Deforestation in Kingston

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