By Mark Squibb/July 15, 2022
The City of Mount Pearl has approved $128,000 worth of shrubbery and trees as part of a long-term greenery plan.
“The City is proud to have an Urban Forestry Plan that outlines the long-term investment of the City enhancing our landscapes,” said Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley during council’s July 12 meeting. “We all are very aware of the environmental, mental health, and community impacts that these sorts of plans can have.”
The work approved is just phase one of that long-term plan, and includes the planting of lilacs, shrubs, and roses between Smallwood Drive and Richard Nolan Drive, as well as deciduous trees on Mount Carson Avenue.
The tender, which Kieley explained was issued in the spring, was awarded to sole bidder O’Neil Landscape in the amount of $127,954, HST included.
Kieley reminded council the planting of these trees and shrubs is just the beginning.
“With that being said this is one component of a longer-term plan that we’ve been, pardon the pun, planting the seeds for so many years,” said Kieley.
Councillor Jim Locke, who was not in attendance at that moment, was cited by Kieley for his involvement in the planning.
“Councillor Locke has been excited and a proponent of this throughout the years… so I just want to identify a lot of the work that he has done, along with many of the councillors here,” said Kieley. “This is nothing new, but we’re getting to a point where we’re seeing its fruition.”
The motion was passed with little discussion, although councillor Isabelle Fry did raise a question.
“First of all, I’m really glad to see this, this makes me very happy,” said Fry. “And I’m looking forward to especially lilacs, and more shrubbery. My question is, when is this anticipated to start? Is it this summer, or next season?”
Director of Public Works Glen Dollimount said the anticipated start date would be in the fall.
The motion passed unanimously.
