KENILWORTH – Wellington North is developing a tree canopy as the township works on a local tree program.
“Over the past year, staff have begun a more in-depth review of how the township can support a sustainable and green approach to preserving, enhancing and maintaining our local tree canopy,” wrote community and economic development manager Mandy Jones in an update on the township’s efforts.
The report, discussed at a June 3 council meeting, had councillors voicing support for a “municipal tree framework” building on efforts since 2021, when council endorsed township tree planting initiatives.
Staff have identified internal-, community- and development-based channels to focus township efforts.
A sample of those efforts includes forming tree management guidelines, maintaining records of all trees under the township’s care, and including tree planting in future infrastructure projects.
The township is also working with the Mount Forest Green Team, a citizen-led non-profit that advocates for the local environment, to inventory municipal trees.
Green Team member Daphne Rappard delegated to council last winter, asking the township to work with the group to protect and enhance the environment.
According to Jones’ report, Wellington County developed an app on a mapping platform for the group to inventory Wellington North-owned trees in Mount Forest, which is now being piloted.
“Staff intend to use this information as an additional resource for capital projects, municipal review and planning, and other related issues,” Jones wrote, adding there’s a hope the app can also be used in Arthur.
The township has also added an online form to its website for residents to report hazardous trees (phone calls and emails are also accepted).
Submitted forms are reviewed by the township and sometimes the Green Team.
If a tree is determined to be a safety hazard, it will be removed with updates provided to the resident about the outcome. A newly planted tree would replace the one removed.
Since February, the township has received 20 formal submissions related to the location of trees, maintenance, and removal, according to Jones’ report.
The township continues to develop its program and anticipates developing more community-based partnerships, officials stated.
