A large tree beside Highway 97 will come down since it obscures the sign for the Mac’s and Petro-Canada location on Rosedale Avenue.
On June 11, council passed a resolution to remove the mature London Plane tree.
Bob DiCastri, landlord of the Mac’s and Petro-Canada store, said his sign was not visible to motorists coming from the north.
“One tree is all we’re talking about,” he said.
Mayor Janice Perrino said officials with the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Highways planted the tree around 22 years ago, after the store sign was already in place.
The tree is now under the care of the municipality.
To discourage others from requesting tree removals, she suggested the store owner pay for the cost of replacing the tree with two new trees.
While members of council were uneasy with removing a healthy tree, the suggestion to replant trees in exchange was accepted.
“I do not like to see a tree cut down, but I could support this motion,” said Coun. Lloyd Christopherson.
Coun. Orv Robson said a one-time request was acceptable, but he would not support the removal of multiple trees.
“It’s one tree and that’s all,” he said.
“I wouldn’t vote for it if it was more than one tree.”
The replacement trees and the location will be chosen by the director of parks and recreation.
The resolution was supported unanimously. Coun. Bruce Hallquist was not present at the meeting.