Developer Modcity is facing fresh accusations of illegally cutting down decades-old trees, particularly at a property located on Ennerdale Road. Residents were alarmed to witness a crew operating chainsaws, and when they confronted the workers, the situation escalated with the crew allegedly hurling pears at them in response.
According to one resident, who shared their account with CityNews, “These were trees that were protected, they were city-owned.” The individual explained that both his wife and another woman approached the workers to express their concern, only to be met with fruit being thrown their way. “It was so sad,” he added, highlighting the disregard shown by the workers.
Multiple neighbors have identified one of the workers as Rohan Sadana, a co-founder of Modcity. Reports indicate that when the residents attempted to intervene, Sadana reportedly began biting into pears and tossing them at the concerned community members, while the rest of the crew continued to fell tree after tree.
A female resident commented on the dismissive attitude exhibited by the workers, noting, “The disrespect of just throwing fruit at them, and they just didn’t care.” She described observing rolling eyes and smirks from the workers, indicating a blatant disregard for the community’s values. “Oh we can, we can do it, we can cut them down,” seemed to be the underlying sentiment.
A photograph from the original real estate listing illustrated a property lush with trees surrounding a small house. In stark contrast, nearly all of these trees have since been removed, with only stumps left in their place. “You could tell right away it just looked so bare,” remarked a resident, who mentioned seeing piles of cut trees stacked behind a fence.
Alejandra Bravo, the city councillor for Davenport, commented that this event is part of a troubling trend of similar incidents occurring in her ward. She expressed frustration on behalf of the residents, stating, “It’s just really, really sickening to me that a developer that’s going to ostensibly tell people they want to build this community and have their residents move in, is actually harming this community.” Bravo accused Modcity of exploiting the area, emphasizing that it is a working-class community that deserves respect.
Moreover, she highlighted the severity of the situation: “The fine for each illegal tree removal is up to $100,000, and we’ve just had it.” The councillor underscored the importance of adhering to regulations, reiterating that developers cannot operate in this manner in Davenport without facing consequences.
Modcity has not responded to inquiries from CityNews regarding the accusations. Councillor Bravo clarified that while she is not opposed to development or the construction of multiplexes in her ward, her contention lies with Modcity's treatment of the residents and the environment. “Just because you’re doing that, you do not have the right to mistreat people, to flout the law, to break rules that are applicable to everyone, and to disrespect people so profoundly,” she asserted, labeling Modcity as poor neighbors.
In response to these incidents, Toronto's tree protection bylaws are becoming more stringent. Starting September 1st, the city will have enhanced authority to deny permits for the removal of larger trees. Furthermore, staff will be empowered to use stumps as evidence of illegal tree removals, reinforcing the city’s commitment to tree preservation.
