Last weeks council meeting saw lively debate across the table over a tree.
The tree in question is a large aspen located on Stuart Drive, between the RCMP station and the home of Murray and Bonnie Hill. The tree stands next to the new electronic sign put in place as part of the Downtown Revitalization project, and is on district property.
While the Hills wrote a letter to the mayor and council requesting the tree be left and while most of council seemed agreeable, Councillor Playfair was adamant the tree could endanger the sign, which is worth $60,000, and she believes the tree is not healthy.
For their part, the Hills said in their letter they have had the tree looked at by a professional horticulturist, who told them the tree was healthy and wasn’t likely a threat.
They offered to keep the tree trimmed to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the visibility of the sign from the street.
Councillor Playfair, however, is also very experienced with trees and wants a second opinion on the health of the tree.
The council has therefore resolved to hire a professional to examine the tree again and give them a solid professional opinion.