Shade from threatened trees makes a difference of 23.6 degrees on one of Halifax’s hottest days 

Climate crisis another reason why removing trees for bike lanes is a terrible idea  

In its new plan for bike lanes, HRM proposes downing between 88 and 125 trees in peninsula south. But on one of the hottest days yet this summer, the shade under those trees made it up to 23.6 degrees cooler than in the full sun. 

Schmidtville resident William Breckenridge used an infrared thermometer between 3:00 and 3:30 pm on Sunday, July 24 at various locations along Morris Street, from Queen Street to South Park Street. That stretch is one of the areas targeted for tree removal to accommodate bicycle lanes and could easily stand in for the other areas affected. 

Targets for tree removal are: University Ave from South Park to Seymour; Robie St. From Inglis to University Ave.; South Street from Seymour to Oxford; Morris Street from South Park to Lower Water. On the South Street section alone, 51 of 88 trees are earmarked for removal. 

"I chose the heavily-treed stretch of Morris Street to see if local results would replicate the scientific literature on so-called ‘urban heat islands.’ says Breckenridge. “Global warming makes this even more of an emergency.” 

The average temperature in Halifax on the afternoon of Sunday, July 24 was 31 degrees Celsius (with a Humidex of 39 degrees.) Below are the readings that Mr. Breckenridge obtained. 

“HRM Council declared Schmidtville a Heritage Conservation District in 2018,” says Breckenridge, “And the plan specifically mentions the value of its urban forest. But the absurdity of removing trees applies to the other areas as well. To get that shade back, are we expected to wait from 15 to 40 years for replacement trees to mature?” 

The Schmidtville plan approved by Council, says the following: “the Urban Forest Master Plan to ensure a sustainable future for its urban forest recognizing that trees provide multiple benefits to people in an urban environment including many natural services to the economy such as slowing down storm water flow, habitat for birds, and cleaning air. The people of Halifax value trees for their social benefits associated with quality of life and for their character and charm.”