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Charred $100 Bills Found Across Toronto Stir Public Fascination

Toronto residents are puzzled after finding scorched $100 notes scattered across various neighborhoods. The discovery comes in the wake of a devastating Bridle Path mansion fire, where firefighters uncovered over $1 million in damaged cash.

By Cameron Reid · November 14, 2025

Toronto’s urban forest, long celebrated as one of North America’s greenest city canopies, is under growing threat. Rising temperatures, invasive pests, and unpredictable weather patterns are combining to stress the city’s trees in unprecedented ways. Environmental scientists warn that unless proactive steps are taken, Toronto could lose much of its natural shade within decades.

The city’s canopy currently covers about 28 percent of Toronto’s land area, but climate projections suggest that maintaining even this level will require significant intervention. “We’re not just fighting pests — we’re fighting heat, drought, and development pressure,” says Dr. Alicia Moore of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Forestry. “Trees can’t adapt as fast as our climate is changing.”

Among the biggest culprits are invasive species like the emerald ash borer, which decimated thousands of ash trees over the past decade. Experts now fear that new pathogens could target maples — the backbone of Ontario’s urban identity. City crews are racing to diversify plantings to prevent large-scale loss from future outbreaks.

Tree canopy decline also has direct implications for public health. Studies show that neighborhoods with fewer trees experience higher summer temperatures and poorer air quality. “Urban heat isn’t an abstract issue — it affects people’s daily lives,” says environmental planner Karim Ali. “Trees are our most cost-effective defense against extreme weather.”

In response, Toronto’s Urban Forestry Division has launched several programs to boost planting efforts, focusing on under-served neighborhoods like Scarborough and North York. Community-led projects are filling boulevards and backyards with native species such as oak, elm, and serviceberry. “It’s not just about planting — it’s about stewardship,” notes Ali.

However, maintaining new trees has proven challenging. Frequent droughts and compacted soil make it difficult for young trees to thrive. Volunteers have stepped in to water and monitor plantings, while city staff test soil amendments and stormwater retention systems to increase survival rates. The effort represents a rare collaboration between citizens and scientists.

Developers are also being drawn into the conversation. Under Toronto’s Green Standards policy, new residential and commercial projects must include landscape plans that promote biodiversity and long-term canopy growth. While some builders see it as an added cost, others recognize the value it brings in cooling and aesthetics.

For residents, the city’s green network offers more than environmental benefits — it’s part of Toronto’s cultural identity. “When you walk down a shaded street in the middle of July, you’re experiencing a legacy,” says Moore. “If we lose that canopy, we lose part of what makes Toronto livable.” The city’s trees may be silent, but their future depends on collective action.