Suggestions for expanded tree program brought to Town Council

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Town of Neepawa has been asked to explore an expansion to our community’s local tree planting efforts. At its most recent meeting on Tuesday Feb. 7, council members heard from presenter and former mayor Adrian de Groot, who requested additional supports for the existing urban management program.

creation of tree canopies. In the institution of the project, de Groot made a few suggestions, including:

• The Town making a finite amount of trees (depending on budgetary restrictions) available to residents on a yearly basis: ate action to correct the issue. Any changes at that particular location must be approved by the province, because Mountain Avenue is a former provincial highway and still falls under the jurisdiction of the government because of it.

• The home owner would be responsible for planting the tree at a discounted rate in a responsible fashion, with some guidance from the Town.

In his presentation to council, Mummery added that at peak traffic times, the area is, at best a logistics nightmare, and at worst, a tragedy waiting to happen.

“There have been some near miss situations that could have very easily ended up tragically,” said Mummery. “I see the potential for disaster twice daily during the week in my duties as a bus driver.

I feel as though I must be proactive and exercise my due diligences in trying to correct the situation before any type of accident does occur.”

Along with the potential danger in the area, Mummery also spoke on the near standstill that occurs during the morning and afternoon. He noted there have been delays of up to 13 minutes for some vehicles trying to turn from Hospital to Mountain.

Members of council, as well as administration with the Town of Neepawa, have already been in discussion with Mummery on the issue the past few weeks. Councilor Murray Parrott offered an update to Mummery, and noted they are in agreement.

“We brought up the concern [related to the crosswalk] again, because we did, in fact, have that same concern as you have,” stated Parrott. “Both the [Beautiful Plains] School Division and the Town of Neepawa have pursued having a better location [for the crosswalk].”

The Town has continued to communicate with the Highways office on this matter and hopes a resolution can be reached. Ultimately, however, the decision will be the Province’s alone to make.

“A public tree planting program already exists within the community through the fine work of public works and the engagement of several local organizations. We’ve been fortunately to have a sustained planting of trees. So I’d like to expand on that concept,” said de Groot. “What I’d like to propose is that we expand our tree planting initiatives to develop a private tree planting program, as well.” de Groot further explained that type of private program would allow residents the chance to engage with the Town in the expansion of trees within town limits, citing the potential

“This could increase the value of being from Neepawa and taking pride in what we do,” de Groot added.

After the presentation concluded, council had questions in regard to the proposal for administration to further examine. Those questions included costs related to an expansion of tree purchases, clarification of allowable locations where the trees could be planted and types of trees that could, or perhaps should be excluded from the program.

Council thanked de Groot for the suggestion and plan on reviewing the viability of an expanded program.