One of Ottawa's biggest companies is facing a $100,000 maximum fine for allegedly breaking the city's new tree bylaw.
Minto is charged with cutting hundreds of large trees in east Ottawa in January without the required permit.
The bylaw applies to trees more than ten centimetres in diameter.
Resident Stephanie Taggert said the power shovels showed up behind her house one January morning and took down the trees in a matter of hours.
"We were shocked to see so many trees fall at such a quick pace," she said.
Minto owned that quarry and had plans to develop it for years, but only got approval last week for a 200-condo project.
After that clearing in January, the city issued a stop work order, but residents said the next day the equipment returned.
"The fact they came back the next day with wood chipping to, I think, remove themselves of evidence of mature trees speaks volumes," Taggert said.
Minto said it's disappointed with the city's actions.
"We believe the work we did was in accordance with the standard practice," said Jack Sterling, vice-president of Minto land development. "(We're) surprised it's become the issue it has."
The case was before provincial court Thursday, and has been adjourned until July. A trial date has not yet been set, and a decision might not be made until next year.
Residents said if the fine is levied, they're hoping the money will go towards planting new trees.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr
