New Tree Planters Along St Nicholas and Irwin Street

This idea proposes upgrading existing shallow planters (along the south side of St Nicholas Street, from Inkerman to Irwin Street) with a raised bed for gardening. 

Parks, Forestry, and Recreation staff have reviewed this proposal and estimates that a cement dugout around a tree would cost approximately $10,000 per tree.

Internal ID: TS-11

*Note: Ideas that proceed to the voting stage are edited by my office to ensure they are clear, concise, and is complete with images. For accountability and transparency purposes, the original description, as input by the resident, can be found below.

Original Description:

So for many years the residents at The Mews (the condo Townhomes that stretch along south along St Nicholas Street from Inkerman to Irwin Street and west along Irwin Street) have planted flowers in the tree beds in front their units.  Many people comment on how pretty the street looks with flowers planted and the trees. But the existing beds are shallow and are not well protected from people and dogs and other animals. Attempts to put up flimsy plastic fencing as not worked well. 

Avid gardeners in The Mews would take responsibility for planting and maintaining the flowers. We are simply asking for a better tree well and barrier to support the addition of flowers, as well as to support the growth of the trees. There are 17 trees – 8 on St Nicholas and 9 on Irwin.  We are only proposing the trees directly in front The Mews at this point, until we can see if further community support exists for extending the flower beds to trees that run in front of the Polo Club along Irwin and the opposite sides of Irwin and St Nicholas Streets.

Note: This is one idea which can be scoped in a range of cost brackets, with associated investments ranging from large to very significant. It is hoped that there will be ongoing dialogue with the Councillor’s office to qualify and shape this idea further as design and cost input is received from staff experts at the City, and prior to it being submitted for voting.