Winnipeg plans to replace trees removed for road projects

City Plans to Replace Trees Affected by Major Projects

Concerns have arisen that megaprojects to widen Kenaston Boulevard and extend Chief Peguis Trail could lead to the removal of hundreds of trees. The city is now sharing its plan to replace them.

Coun. Cindy Gilroy feared that the major construction efforts would harm the tree canopy. She proposed a motion for staff to estimate the loss and value of the trees removed, considering size and species, and to create a funding plan for replacements.

“Just by driving by, I could just (imagine) the loss, the devastation … I want to make sure that … any of the lost trees that they can’t put back into the project will be put elsewhere in the city,” said Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre).

Gilroy expects that hundreds of trees will likely be cut down for these major projects.

On Thursday, the councillor stated that city staff reassured her that existing policies require all removed trees to be replaced. This includes trees on private property that the city may expropriate.

Gilroy plans to monitor how trees are affected and noted that future public reports will detail the impact closer to the construction date.

She anticipates that hundreds of trees could be cut down, including those in a forested area along Chief Peguis Trail.

“It is really crucial that the city … (makes) sure that our tree canopy is protected (and replaced) for years to come,” said Gilroy.

Project Costs and Details

The Kenaston-Route 90 project is expected to add lanes, update sewer infrastructure, replace the St. James bridges, and create active transportation pathways between Taylor and Ness avenues. The estimated cost is $614 million, plus $143 million in interest.

The Chief Peguis Trail project aims to extend the route from Main Street to Brookside Boulevard, costing $755 million, plus $147 million in interest.

On Thursday, the council’s public works committee voted to receive Gilroy’s original motion as information, noting that city policies should meet the goals outlined.

“The canopy loss … will be offset by the planting of new nursery stocks … Whatever the value of it is, they’ll put that value in in new trees. It will account for (tree) age,” said Coun. Janice Lukes, the committee’s chairwoman, after the meeting.

Lukes (Waverley West) stated that this requirement is included in the construction plans and emphasized that tree protection and replacement is a key priority for the city.

“We can never have enough trees because, in an urban environment, trees are damaged through snow removal, vehicular crashes, development and it’s important that we replace the trees,” she said.

City council has approved $5 million to begin property acquisitions for the Kenaston Boulevard project. An independent business case for the Chief Peguis Trail extension was ordered in March.

City officials confirmed that tree compensation requirements will be determined, likely as part of the final design of each project.