Town reaffirms commitment to tree replacement plan as infrastructure project moves ahead

A mature tree is pictured along Sixth Street in Collingwood, Ont., on Thurs., July 11, 2024. (CTV News/Mike Lang)

The Town of Collingwood says it remains committed to protecting and growing its urban forest, even as work continues on a major infrastructure project that will see dozens of trees removed along Sixth and Hurontario Streets.

During Monday’s council meeting, Director of Infrastructure Mohammed Alkoka provided an update on the Sixth Street and Hurontario Street Infrastructure Project, which will replace aging underground systems and improve water service on the town’s west side. The town says the $12 million initiative will also bring upgrades such as new sidewalks, curbs, and separated cycling lanes to make the area safer and more accessible for everyone.

But with that progress comes some tough trade-offs.

The Town noted 40 trees will need to be removed along the construction corridor to make way for the work, something officials acknowledge has raised concerns among residents. Some of the affected trees are already in poor condition, but officials say they understand how significant the loss can feel in a community known for its tree-lined streets.

Mayor Yvonne Hamlin said the project represents a chance to reinvest in Collingwood’s green spaces as well as its infrastructure. “We’ve heard our community’s strong commitment to protecting and expanding our tree canopy,” she said. “This project is an opportunity not just to renew essential infrastructure, but to reinvest in a greener, healthier, and more beautiful town for generations to come.”

To offset the removals, Collingwood has committed to planting three new trees for every one that comes down, a total of 120 new plantings once construction is complete.

According to Alkoka, each new tree will come with a three-year warranty to ensure it takes root successfully.

The Town says tree removals are expected to begin in early 2026, outside of bird nesting season, with new plantings to follow in spring 2028 at the end of construction. Forty replacement trees will be planted along the project route, while the remaining 80 will be distributed to nearby property owners or planted in adjacent parks and streets, including Fifth Street, Seventh Street, Walnut Street Park, and Kinsmen Park.

The Town has also applied for federal funding through the Growing Canada’s Community Canopy program to help support its replanting efforts.

The issue of tree loss along Sixth Street has been a hot topic in Collingwood over the past year. In 2024, residents launched a petition opposing the removal of mature trees for the cycling and infrastructure upgrades, drawing thousands of signatures. Despite that opposition, council voted unanimously to move ahead, citing the need to balance environmental goals with road safety and infrastructure renewal.

“We know how much people value the trees in this area, and we do too. We’ve taken great care to plan for the long term and ensure that this project leaves behind a stronger, more resilient tree canopy,” Alkoka stated.

Construction on the project is set to begin in 2026 and continue over two years.