Viking Councillor Dana Ewashko has brought back an issue which initially prompted him to run for town council. This is his second term in office.
Ewashko raised his objections to trees being planted on town boulevards. He told town council Sept. 16 that the trees obstruct residents trying to cut the grass on this town-owned property in front of their houses.
Ewashko said residents should be asked if they want the tree planted there even if the boulevard is owned by the town.
He noted that the resident is obligated to cut the grass around the tree, which can prove difficult for some, even though the property is town property and not theirs.
“They have to cut the grass and it makes it more difficult to cut around the tree,” he said.
He cited one neighbour as “not a happy camper” after her problems trying to cut the grass with a riding mower.
Ewashko said he complained to public works and was told this was part of the tree replacement program. In other words, no new trees were being planted, just replacement of dying trees was taking place.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Doug Lefsrud said it was his decision where the planting of trees took place based on his interpretation of the policy.
Ewashko repeated his statement that he wouldn’t want a tree in front of his yard.
Councillor Judy Acres tried to narrow the scope of the concern, asking if placing the tree further towards the street would help the person trying to mow the grass.
“Then the leaves would hang over the street and have to be cut,” replied Ewashko.
There was discussion on the possibility of getting permission for a tree to be planted in front of someone’s house on the town boulevard.
Deputy Mayor Cindy Lefsrud said she had cleared her own yard of trees, but she added: “If we had to get permission then there would be no trees planted, unfortunately.”
But Ewashko said the idea that the town is full of tree lined streets is not an accurate depiction.
Council discussed a suggestion by CAO Lefsrud to communicate the issue with the residents and try to get some feedback, an idea Mayor James Buttner supported.
A motion by Ewashko to get permission from the residents before a tree is planted in a boulevard in front of their yard did not pass.
CAO Lefsrud suggested council examine the town’s tree planting policy and if a correction is required do it there, not as a separate motion.
“Bring the policy to council first,” he said, for consideration.
Acres expressed concern over acting too quickly on a simple motion.
“I have a concern for the implications,” she said, citing “the danger of chopping trees down” instead of replacing them.
CAO Lefsrud told council the town ‘has two more trees to plant,” but neither was scheduled to be placed in front of a house.
Council directed administration to bring the tree planting policy back to council for further consideration before deciding next steps.
“I’m not going to back down from this,” Ewashko stated earlier in the discussion.
Patricia Harcourt
Editor
