Root of the problem: Tree removal plan branches into controversy in Carman, Man.
CBC News | Posted: July 7, 2017 11:59 PM | Last Updated: July 7, 2017
Town garden club member stumped by council's plan to cut down 18 trees on main drag
A plan by the southern Manitoba town of Carman to cut down 18 ash trees along the community's main drag is being met with fierce opposition from some business owners and area residents.
The town says removing the trees is necessary to solve the problem of sidewalks heaving due to the presence of tree roots under them.
"They are now scapegoating the trees because they have not done proper maintenance of these sidewalks," said Lorraine Stevenson, a Carman Garden Club member, who is vehemently opposed to the removal of the trees.
"This decision was not made lightly," said Coun. Jane Swanton who said citizens have stumbled on the uneven sidewalk. She said removing the trees will make the path more accessible for people with mobility issues.
But Stevenson said she feels the town has left citizens in the dark about its controversial decision.
"There has been no communication other than a few lines in the local paper about the plan to remove the trees."
She also said while there are tripping hazards on the sidewalk, they have nothing to do with tree roots — and have instead been caused by neglect.
'May have been neglectful'
She said the trees provide exceptional shade for pedestrian traffic.
Swanton said a lot of thought has gone into the decision to remove the trees but admitted the town could have taken better care of them over the years.
"We may have been neglectful."
The garden club plans to present to the town next Tuesday, after which council members will vote on the issue.
Swanton said she couldn't speak for the rest of the council when asked if there's any way it will vote to keep the trees, adding the decision was made based on safety.
Carman is about 75 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg.