Heritage trail tree could be removed by crane next week

With town staff on track to remove a large dead tree on the heritage trail next week, Lord Mayor Betty Disero and councillors expressed disappointment the plan is to send a crane in to do the job.

In response, staff agreed to look at other options.

Disero had asked interim operations director Kevin Turcotte to have one more look at alternatives before sending in the heavy equipment, and was disappointed that hadn’t happened, she said. “It’s a really sensitive situation,” she said, with residents concerned about the large number of trees that have come down to provide access for the crane. It also has to be a very costly way to remove it, she added.

Turcotte called the situation both unique and dangerous, with the large tree overhanging extensively-landscaped private property, and told council he was anticipating the tree removal by crane would happen next week.

He also explained that the Town has a contract with Pineridge Tree Service, and town staff rely on their expertise for the removal of large trees, but agreed to look at alternatives.

Disero also asked for, and received assurance that there will be no more trees removed to make room for a crane.

Coun. Allan Bisback, a member of the Upper Canada Heritage Trail committee, said the committee would be meeting soon and would discuss the width of the trail, which has also been a concern to residents, assuring the public, no decision has been made yet.