Somewhat related to the discussion about tree removal and damage in Assiniboine Park is the larger issue of the decline of Bur Oak trees in Winnipeg. The city has been focused on Elms threatened by Dutch Elm Disease (DED) and more recently Ash trees are under threat by the Emerald Ash Borer. The latter is a serious threat that could completely decimate all native ash trees in Winnipeg (which were planted in abundance for several decades after DED was discovered in Winnipeg).
Less well known is the large scale decline of Bur Oak trees beginning in the mid-1980s. Winnipeg is the only major city on the prairies with a large native population of Bur Oaks. However, years of urban growth and man-made stresses have led to the decline of the species. What you see in the new playground area in Assiniboine Park is a perfect example. Oaks are very sensitive to changes in drainage patterns brought on by construction and are also very sensitive to root compaction and application of cosmetic pesticides. Many, if not all of the oaks in the playground area are dead or dying because the landscape was heavily altered in the construction. Around the city, you can see lots of bur oaks dead or dying from the top down. Older trees are more sensitive to decline, and these trees are also most valuable and worth protecting. Because of their slow rate of growth, it takes years for an Oak to achieve maturity.
While I don't think we should halt plans for new amenities in Assiniboine Park or elsewhere, better care could be take to care for mature Oaks in Winnipeg because these are a unique and valuable part of the landscape of Winnipeg not found in other prairie cities. For example, in some parks around the city (e.g. Bruce Park in St. James), they try not to mow under mature stands of oak to prevent root compaction. Obviously, excavating near mature oaks should be avoided if at all possible.
For those who want more detail on the decline of Oaks in Winnipeg, the link below is a good read, if fairly scientific.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile...oba-Canada.pdf