Centre Block rehabilitation: Removal of the American elm tree: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs—February 27, 2020
Document navigation for "Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs: February 27, 2020"
On this page
Issue on the removal of the American elm tree
Removal of the American elm tree to enable construction of phase 2 of the Visitor Welcome Centre.
Background on the removal of the American elm tree
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) removed the American elm in the pleasure grounds to facilitate Visitor Welcome Centre Complex construction activities.
Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital (GACC) advocated to save the tree. The issue was debated at the April 2, 2019, meeting of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC) and a motion to defer tree removal was voted down.
The decision to remove the American elm was made after a thorough analysis which concluded the relocation of the tree to another location was not feasible. Unfortunately, given its deteriorating health, it had a low probability of surviving a relocation. The cost of removal (under $25,000) was also below the cost of relocation (estimated at approximately $400,000).
On March 26, 2019, 100 cuttings were collected from the American Elm and were sent to the University of Guelph where 50 of the healthiest cuttings were selected for propagation. Only 10 of these saplings have survived the graft due to the deteriorated health of the American Elm tree. These 10 saplings are being cared for by the University of Guelph until they are ready to be planted in the Precinct. In addition, wood from the elm will be repurposed by the Dominion Sculptor, in consultation with parliament.
Any tree removed during the Centre Block rehabilitation will be replaced by 4 new trees, exceeding the National Capital Commission’s recommendation of a 2 to 1 replacement ratio.
Document navigation for "Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs: February 27, 2020"
Page details
- Date modified: