The following is a response sent to MPP Carol Mitchell from the Ministry of Transportation, as a result of an enquiry regarding the removal of ancient elm trees along Highway 4 in Huron County.

Several residents have expressed concern over the proposed eradication of five ancient elms along the highway in question.

[Letter to Carol Mitchell, MP Huron-Bruce]

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the planned removal of elm trees on Highway 4 between Kippen and Clinton. The ministry is pleased to be moving forward with plans to rehabilitate this section of Highway 4, including pavement resurfacing, drainage improvements and safety enhancements.

In preparation for this construction project, the ministry has arranged a tree-cutting contract to remove trees before the start of the migratory bird nesting season. Five elm trees have been identified for removal as part of this contract.

 The ministry recognizes the impacts of Dutch Elm disease on elm trees in Ontario. We have reviewed the request to spare these trees. 

Based on accepted safety guidelines and upon further review, the ministry determined that two of the five elm trees can be spared without significantly impacting driver safety. The other three trees will need to be removed due to their proximity to the highway, causing shading and icing of the highway during winter conditions and creating a safety hazard for errant vehicles leaving the highway. In addition, the ministry needs to improve ditching in these areas to provide drainage for highway stormwater run-off and to prevent the reoccurrence of pavement deterioration. Ditch improvements cannot be accommodated in the area of the largest elm tree near 73760 without impacting the tree’s roots.

 Ministry of Transportation