An engineering technician with the Town of Cobourg assures residents of Abbott Boulevard they are taking every precaution the trees lining the roadway remain in good health.
For the last several weeks Dekesyer Excavating has been installing a sidewalk on the east side of Abbott Boulevard from King Street to Lakeshore Drive.
Some residents along the road have expressed concerns about the sidewalk and if it would damage some of the trees along the boulevard.
“In the process of digging to create space for this sidewalk, many mature trees that line the east side of the street have had their roots cut and disturbed,” wrote Janet and Sharon McNulty on behalf of their parents who live on Abbott Blvd.
The sisters consulted with an arborist who they said has verified the current treatment of the trees will cause “undue stress and may eventually cause them to slowly die.”
Engineering Technician Joseph Chartrand stated to the sisters that, “rest assured that the Town of Cobourg and Dekeyser Excavating have been taking every precaution to ensure the trees lining Abbott Blvd remain in good health for many years to come.”
Chartrand stated the town arborist has been working closely with the construction team and made periodic inspections offering advice.
Chartrand also added that the areas in front of the trees where roots are close to the sidewalk have been left bare. The areas have been filled with a free draining granular material combined with a Gator Base® which allows roots room to continue to grow, limits required depth of excavation and assists with direct weight transference. An interlock brick has been installed on top of this base.
“Protection of the environment and safety of the community have been and continue to be top priorities for our team.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
