Although it may not seem that way at the moment, the removal of trees along Russell Street is a win-win situation. According to Adam Weiser, public works director for the Municipality of Kincardine, Westario Power approached the municipality with a plan to rebuild power lines along Russell Street. The redesign would move the power poles closer to the road. To make this possible, some of the trees need to be trimmed, while others need to be removed entirely. The municipality had already identified some of these trees as ash trees showing signs of Emerald Ash Borer, and had slated them for removal. In fact, public works has already removed some trees and has been planting replacements along this roadway over the past two years. The partnership for the redesign project is mutually beneficial.
Area residents will notice that the area is better illuminated for both vehicular traffic and pedestrians, as the street lighting atop the power poles will be better situated. The power line redesign is slated to take place in 2020. The municipality anticipates that by next fall they will be able to plant additional trees in this area, once the Westario Power crews have completed their work.