Thank you for your inquiry about the planned tree removal on Highway 4 between Kippen and Clinton. 

The safety of our highways is the ministry’s top priority.  The improvements planned for Highway 4 between Kippen and Clinton, including pavement resurfacing and drainage upgrades, will enhance safety for all users. 

Five elm trees, all on the east side of the highway, were originally identified for removal as part of the construction project due to their proximity to the road.  One of the five trees, a large elm tree just north of Kippen on Highway 4, appears to be of particular importance to the community due to its landscape significance.

In view of the public concerns and the impacts of Dutch Elm disease on elm trees in Ontario, these five elm trees will not be removed as part of the 2011 construction contract. 

An assessment of these trees will be undertaken this summer to determine their overall health, type and condition.  In the meantime, MTO will work with interested stakeholders to harvest trimmings/genetic materials from these trees in 2011.

No decision about removing the elm trees will be made until the assessment is completed.

Thank you for sharing your concerns. 

 Ministry of Transport (MTO)