A new town policy is about keeping Renfrew’s natural beauty intact.
Renfrew’s first-ever tree canopy policy made it to the desks of Town Council recently.
Environmental Officer Amanda Springer explained that the mandate is required by provincial law, and her team looked at policies in similar-sized towns to craft a document that will best protect and enhance the tree line and natural vegetation on public property, as well as potentially starting a free or subsidized tree planting program for residents.
Chief Administrative Officer Rob Tremblay would task town staff with finding ways to line up their services with new provincial mandates, noting that spaces like Veterans Memorial Boulevard would visually benefit from a focus on tree upkeep.
The document was approved, but not before councilor Kyle Cybulski made one request regarding the town’s priorities with the new guidelines.
The policy only covers publicly owned trees, but residents with trees on private lots are encouraged to follow it as well. You can find it on the Town of Renfrew’s website.
The upcoming budget for 2024 will contain an item for the tree planting program, and adding any potential equipment purchases will likely happen as the council and committees discuss the budget.
(written by Kasey Egan)
