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By Angela Brown

Environmentally minded

Town to create tree barrier to reduce wind, noise for residents

Apr 26, 2021 | 4:54 PM

The Town of Battleford plans to create a shelterbelt between Highway 4 South and the Battle Springs subdivision, located at the south end of Battleford, in response to area residents concerns about excessive wind and noise.

Mayor Ames Leslie discussed the issue at the recent council meeting.

The town received a letter with a petition of 27 names from individuals from the Battle Springs area, asking for a couple rows of trees to be planted to reduce wind and noise from the highway and the Loraas Environmental site traffic. The letter also indicated the trees would help beautify the area as well, and might potentially help sell some of the remaining lots there.

“Basically they are requesting for the council of the Town of Battleford to put up some kind of tree barrier along Highway 4, to control noise, [and] dust, and also it has an environmental impact,” Leslie said.

Councillor Shelley Boutin-Gervais confirmed Parks and Recreation Manager Jordan Schechtel has a plan in the works.

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“Some will be done each year in different areas. There are some that have been kind of in-the-works for a year or so now,” she said. “Those will be trees that will be planted this year. Then, every year we are going to be trying to plant more trees around.”

People in some other areas of town are also interested in having a natural barrier installed. Coun. Alexis Christensen mentioned some students at St. Vital School would like to see a natural barrier to block wind and dust near the school yard. She is also aware of similar requests for the Industrial Park area where it can get quite dusty and windy as well.

“I would love to see them along our roadways and just everywhere really; they are beautiful,” she said.

Councillor Doug Laing addressed comments in the Battle Springs area resident’s letter about trees helping to reduce odour from the wastewater treatment lagoon system. He noted there shouldn’t be any issues with odour in the future as most of the lagoon system will be underground with the upgrade work.

Leslie said he is glad to see the town has a plan to create tree barriers to help resolve issues related to dust and noise, in particular for Battle Springs area residents.

“I’ve said it once, I’ve said it twice, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best is tomorrow,” he said. “I think any time you add more urban forest, it’s a great step forward. I support anything to do this. And into the future, the river valley as well. You don’t have to go far to realize we are losing trees quickly in our community.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @OCoureurDesBois