NEWS RELEASE
May 28, 2021
For immediate release

Cold Lake, AB – Crews contracted by the Parks department will be removing tree and brush overgrowth from Cold Lake alleyways during the month of June, as part of a multi-year Vegetation Management program throughout the city.

The project involves cutting and trimming overgrown branches that could pose a risk to safety or inhibit vehicle or foot traffic from moving through the alley. From June 1-25, residents may see workers on ladders or in bucket trucks using saws to remove the overgrowth. The work will be done weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. This preventative maintenance is being performed in order to:

• Ensure access for emergency personnel and vehicles.
• Ensure public safety.
• Ensure ease of access for larger private vehicles (motor-homes and camper units).
• Create a “buffer zone” between properties in case of fire.

“The City and our contractor will be taking all precautions to ensure this work is completed with minimal environmental impact and disturbance to our residents,” said Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Nagoya. “Our Parks crews use tools to assess each area of overgrowth and determine if and how it should be removed. Any trees or vegetation deemed to be nesting grounds for migratory birds will not be disturbed until after the end of the migration season.”

The Vegetation Management program applies only to trees and brush that is on City of Cold Lake property (alleyways). It is the responsibility of property owners to maintain the trees and foliage on their private property, and ensure it is not spilling over into the alley. Owners of trees with overgrowth spreading onto City property will be given notice to remove the overgrowth within a specific period of time.

“It’s very important that our back alleys within the city are easily accessible, not only for residents but also for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances that may be required to approach an emergency scene from the alley,” said Nagoya. “It doesn’t take long for trees and bushes to branch out and impede movement in these areas when they’re not maintained, so we appreciate the cooperation and patience of our residents as we complete this work.”

Letters will be hand-delivered to affected homes to notify residents of the work. See the attached maps and schedule for specific information on each affected neighbourhood.

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