I am not sure where the NIMBYs got thousands from, but the area where trees may be cut (with a high replacement ratio) is a tiny fraction of Eglinton Flats, and beside a high-speed motorway. It will not impact their enjoyment and use of the space.
I‘ve highlighted the cutting area in the entire context of Eglinton Flats. Note that there aren’t a ton of trees to begin with in this area.
View attachment 449225
The line won’t be tunnelled without well over a billion in new costs. The western tunnel contract (underway) includes the portal near Scarlett, which would have to be massively redesigned to dive under the Humber River. The Mount Dennis tunnel is currently being tendered.
This money to redesign the project could easily fund other transit project. A few loud local voices shouldn’t waste precious transit dollars so they don’t have to look at a train. Electric trains are not disruptive.