More trees felled from new Cultural Center, theatre building site than anticipated

Citing the need to regrade the site where the building and parking lot will be placed as well as fire-safety concerns, the committee in charge of the new Kahnawake Cultural Arts Center announced earlier this week it had cut additional trees.

“The cutting is all done now,” building committee spokesperson Trina Diabo said Wednesday morning.

The committee announced Monday that due to Kahnawake Fire Brigade safety regulations, there was a requirement for additional space between trees and the building to mitigate the possibility of wildfire damage, as well allowing for the realities of construction work.

The committee said they would do their best to retain as much as foliage as possible around the site.

“The maple trees that were removed for the fire lane are being preserved in the nursery and will be transplanted in collaboration with the students,” Diabo confirmed.

The committee said it would endeavour to keep the space as green as possible during construction.

“Laydown areas and associated equipment to complete the project have had to impact existing tree preservation. Nonetheless, the site will remain (as) lush as technically feasible,” the building committee said.

The building committee also reiterated that two trees would be planted for each one removed during the construction process.

“Currently, there are 74 trees that are covered and being protected for transplant. The removal process is being done by knowledgeable professionals who hold our processes to the highest importance,” the building committee said. “Many trees, shrubs and plants will be planted in the final landscaping plan. As was done previously, there are trees that will be repurposed and given to community members who wish to use them. An announcement will be made to the community at that time.”

Marc Lalonde, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Iori:wase