Bulletins

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO, October 23, 2019 – Parks Canada is committed to preserving both the natural and cultural heritage of our special places, while ensuring safe, high-quality experiences for our visitors. A recent inspection of trails and parking areas at the Commons, Butler’s Barracks, and Fort George National Historic Sites has identified a number of hazardous trees, specifically those that are either unhealthy or dying. The weakened branches and trunks of these trees pose a risk to public safety, and will be removed.

Work to remove the hazardous trees will begin in April 2019 and continue throughout the year. The Commons, Butler’s Barracks, and Fort George sites will remain open to visitors during these operations, however, work areas will be cordoned off and temporarily closed for visitor use. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and respect all closures.

Parks Canada has a mandate to preserve the ecological integrity of our national parks and national historic sites. All Parks Canada’s projects are subject to environmental assessments to ensure appropriate ecological protection measures are in place. It has been confirmed that no Species at Risk trees are present in the work area. Furthermore, all tree removal work will occur outside of the bird nesting season in order to protect migratory birds and wildlife.

Parks Canada has a revegetation plan in place and every tree removed will be replaced by a native tree species this spring. Plantings will be designed to integrate the natural environment and cultural of this site.

For more information, please contact Parks Canada - Niagara National Historic Sites at 905-468-6614 or by email at pc.niagaraont.pc@canada.ca.