The City of Kitchener is committed to maintaining a safe, functional, and well-planned community infrastructure. As part of the ongoing improvements in your neighborhood, updates have been made to the construction plans following detailed engineering reviews and on-site assessments. As a result of these necessary changes, several additional trees within the project area must be removed.

We recognize that trees contribute significantly to the character of our community by offering environmental, aesthetic, and social benefits. For this reason, tree removals are considered only when no reasonable alternatives exist.

Why tree removals are required

During the excavation planning stages, challenges surrounding site conditions and engineering requirements were identified. These included: depth of excavation, soil stability, adjustments to existing and proposed utility placements/alignment needed to ensure long-term safety, accessibility, and reliability of municipal infrastructure. Unfortunately, these identified challenges place certain trees directly within construction zones where excavation, grading, and utility removal and installation will substantially disturb or damage their root systems. In these locations:

• The stability and long-term health of the trees cannot be maintained.
• Required safety thresholds for workers and infrastructure cannot be met.
• Preservation would pose potential future risks to public safety and nearby infrastructure.

Forestry staff and project engineers evaluated every affected tree to determine whether it could be preserved. Only trees that cannot be safely retained are scheduled for removal.

Our commitment to urban forestry

The City of Kitchener remains dedicated to protecting and enhancing the urban forest. Following project completion, tree replacements will be planted where space and site conditions allow. Replacement species will be selected to promote long-term canopy health and minimize future conflicts with infrastructure.

Questions or concerns

We understand that the removal of trees can be disappointing, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to complete this project safely and responsibly. If you have questions about this change to the Tree Management Plan, please reach out using the contact information below.