Tree maintenance work will occur along the Train Trail corridor, south of Collins Street, behind properties on Williams Street. Work is scheduled for June 1 – 5, 2026, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and is weather dependent. Residents in the immediate work area have been notified directly.
This work is being completed by Diamond Tree Care and includes the removal of dead and hazardous trees identified through municipal tree assessments. These trees are being removed to reduce safety risks to nearby properties, trail users, and surrounding infrastructure.
Scope of Work
Tree maintenance work will include:
- The removal of dead and hazardous trees (mainly Ash trees), on the Train Trail corridor behind Williams Street properties.
- Specialized arborist equipment, including crane-assisted removal, on Williams Street.
- Wood and debris chipping/ processing to be disposed of from the site following the completion of tree maintenance.
Public Impacts
During tree maintenance, residents and trail users may experience:
- Increased noise from equipment and arborist operations.
- Temporary restrictions accessing portions of the Train Trail.
- Temporary restrictions accessing portions of Williams Street.
- Short-term disruptions in the immediate work zone for public safety.
We appreciate your anticipated patience while this important safety work is completed.
Background
Many Ash Trees across Ontario have been impacted by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), which has caused widespread tree decline and mortality. The Town of Collingwood continues to monitor and manage affected trees through ongoing maintenance and removal where necessary.
Tree removal decisions are based on safety assessments and prioritized based on risk to public spaces, trails, and adjacent properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why are trees being removed?
The trees being removed have been identified as dead or structurally hazardous and pose a potential safety risk to person(s) and/ or property along the Train Trail corridor. - What is Emerald Ash Borer?
Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that attacks and kills Ash Trees. It has significantly impacted urban forests across Ontario, including Collingwood. - How was it decided which trees would be removed?
Municipal forestry staff conducts ongoing assessments of tree health and risk throughout the Town. Trees in this area were determined to require removal based on condition and safety considerations. - Will I be directly affected?
Affected residents have been notified directly, including property owners on Williams Street whose yards back onto the Train Trail adjacent to the work area. - Will the trail be closed?
Portions of the Train Trail may experience temporary access restrictions while this work is underway. Detour signage will be in place as required. - Will the road be closed?
Yes, a section of Williams Street will be closed to accommodate the crane setup. Access to Williams Street is still available from either direction. Emergency services will be notified prior to the work starting. - Why is a crane being used?
A crane enables arborists to safely and efficiently remove large or hazardous trees while minimizing the risk to surrounding areas. - Will trees be replanted?
This is a naturalized area, and as such, self-seeding and natural regeneration will occur. The Town continually evaluates replanting and canopy restoration opportunities as part of its urban forest management efforts, and plants approximately 100 trees per year. This is in addition to trees planted on private property through the Canopy Collingwood initiative. - Is this part of a larger program?
This tree maintenance work is part of the ongoing management of ash trees impacted by Emerald Ash Borer and broader urban forest maintenance.
Learn more about Town of Collingwood tree initiatives and urban forestry management on this page of the Town's website.