L&A County backs plan to save iconic tree canopy, for now

Lennox and Addington County council has approved a one-year trial aimed at preserving the iconic tree canopy along County Road 9 while continuing to address safety concerns raised by engineers and the county's insurer.

After a lengthy debate, council voted to lower the speed limit to 40 km/h through the tree-lined section for one year, replacing an earlier proposal to install stop signs. The motion also directs staff to develop a county tree policy and begin planting replacement trees outside the road's clear zone.

County staff told council that engineering reviews found few alternatives that would both preserve the trees and reduce municipal liability.

Chris Wagar, Director of Infrastructure Services said other than realigning the roadway and or removing the trees on County Road 9, there's no other options that improve safety and reduce liability from the county.

Councillor Terry Richardson argued council should test alternatives before cutting down healthy trees. 

"Why not try it? Do the trial period," Richardson said while proposing the original motion.

Staff maintained that reducing the speed limit is a more appropriate traffic control measure than stop signs, although it would not eliminate liability because several trees remain within the recommended roadside clear zone.

Several councillors said they struggled to support removing mature trees, while others stressed that public safety must remain the priority.

The trial applies only to the County Road 9 tree canopy. Council will consider the remaining trees identified on County Roads 5 and 41 separately at a later date.