THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Hydro has been recognized for its ongoing commitment to planting trees in the City of Thunder Bay. The local hydro company has been a platinum level sponsor of the City’s Tree Stewardship Program since 2008. To date, contributions totalling $20,000 have resulted in the planting of 128 full size trees within the city.
“Thunder Bay Hydro is pleased to participate in the beautifying of boulevards and public areas with height appropriate trees,” says Chris Pereira, Utility Arborist Coordinator with Thunder Bay Hydro. “We are especially appreciative of the move to plant large trees in open spaces and limit the mature height of species planted under our overhead power lines.”
Large trees planted in older neighbourhoods have created inconveniences for hydro customers because of power interruptions during windy conditions. A proactive tree trimming program was instituted by Thunder Bay Hydro in 2007. The City has outlined standards and specifications which groups trees into large and small-stature categories. When planting new public trees on boulevards and replacing older trees, the mature height of the species is now taken into account when the location of the tree is under overhead power lines.
This week, new trees were planted at the corner of Brown and Mary Street bearing the Thunder Bay Hydro sponsorship tag. The species is a Japanese Tree Lilac which will grow to a mature height of no more than 6 metres.
