Town explains Ridgeway tree removals, promises replanting in June
May 23, 2025 at 3:55 AM
The Town of Fort Erie is providing a further explanation about why 14 trees were recently cut down in Ridgeway Village Square.
Earlier this week, Fort Erie Radio published a story containing on-the-record concerns from a business owner about the sudden incident at the popular public gathering spot in downtown Ridgeway, which holds a pavilion and splashpad.
There were also several complaints and questions voiced on social media over the reasoning behind the removal of the trees.
On Thursday evening, the town issued a statement saying the local government understands how important trees are to members of the community and how their sudden loss can cause strong emotions.
“Trees are an important part of our environment and natural heritage is part of the town’s strategic plan,” the town stated.
The municipality also has a tree preservation bylaw and forestry program in place to support tree health across Fort Erie.
The work occurred on May 13 and happened as part of the town’s forestry program, guided by the town’s arborist using best practices for tree canopy health.
“The trees at Ridgeway Village Square were planted too close together years ago and had to compete for space, light and nutrients,” said the town.
“Recently, this overcrowding started to damage tree health and increase the risk of broken branches,” the town said.
“The trees were also very close to surface concrete, underground utilities and other infrastructure,” and “as they grew the trees created new safety and maintenance concerns,” the town continued.
To protect tree health and maintain infrastructure, town staff made the “difficult decision” to remove trees.
A closeup of one of 14 tree stumps now found in downtown Ridgeway. Credit: Brent Jones | Fort Erie Radio“We acknowledge that more proactive communication before these removals happened would have been very helpful, and will improve our processes in future,” the town said.
The local government says it will plant new trees at the site in June.
“We will share more information about those plantings in advance through the town’s social media channels and media partners, like Fort Erie Radio,” said the town.
“We sincerely appreciate everyone’s feedback on tree health in the community,” the town added in its statement.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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