BOYLE — Residents in Boyle may notice the absence of a long-time community staple this summer in the spot that used to house the old Town Hall.
“Public Works has informed me that the top of the old spruce tree is turning brown and red, which means she’s dying,” CAO Warren Griffin told councillors during their July 17 council meeting. “We will probably be bringing in an arborist at some point during the summer to take it down.”
The tree is located by the four-way stop at 3 Street and 1 Avenue, in front of the former site of the Town Hall, and across the street from the ‘Ole’ Fashioned Station Wellness Centre. Nestled between the streetlight, fire hydrant, and towering deciduous trees, the spruce can be picked out during holidays by the lights, baubles, and tinsel adorning its branches.
“It’s sad to see it go because it was nice, but it’s gotten looking so ratty and we’re not able to bring it back to look good,” said Mayor Colin Derko. “Even if we could, now its showing signs of dying — it’s ran its course.”
“We don’t need it to be a hazard,” said Coun. Pat Ferguson.
Though administration noted no negative feedback was received from residents during community outreach about the removal, the item was on the agenda for everyone’s awareness.
“We just wanted council to be aware of this before we started doing something, in case people ask,” said Griffin.
Coun. Shelby Kiteley suggested another tree or plant take the spruce’s spot, and Griffin noted the removal would allow for the town to put in either foliage or signage in coming years.
“Sad to see it pass go, but excited to see the future,” said Derko.
