Trees will again be a big part of a Vernon beach.
The city is applying for a grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to fund a tree replacement planting project at Kin Beach Park.
The grant, if successful, would fund up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for a tree planting project with a minimum project cost of $50,000.
The city removed 22 mature poplar trees this past spring at Kin Beach after a comprehensive tree health risk assessment, which found that the trees were nearing the end of their lifespan. They were also at high risk for storm damage and failure, posing potential hazards to people and property.
"The removal of the poplars was a proactive measure to ensure public safety," said city staff.
Should the city be successful with grant funding, 59 new drought-tolerant shade trees will be planted throughout Kin Beach Park.
Included as part of the grant, the existing irrigation infrastructure would be retrofitted where appropriate, and water bags would be used to support the successful establishment and long-term health of the new trees.
The estimated project cost is $60,000 – half of which would be funded by a grant, and half from the city's Parks Reserve, which sits at slightly more than $59,000.
If successful, the project will be coordinated with the Vernon School District and volunteer organizations for a community planting day, with updates on the city’s social media platforms to bring awareness to the community benefits that the tree planting and increased canopy cover provides.