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Oakville means business in battle with EAB By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The Oakville Chamber of Commerce has joined the fight against the tree destroying emerald ash borer (EAB). The chamber announced yesterday (Wednesday) it would work with the Town of Oakville to encourage local businesses to combat the invasive pest and preserve Oakville's tree canopy. The Emerald Ash Borer, a metallic greencoloured beetle, destroys an ash tree's vascular system by tunneling its way underneath the bark and killing the tree within years, if left untreated. The tiny insect is expected to cost Canadians billions by killing trees, which must then be cut down for safety reasons. The Town of Oakville has approved a budget of $1.4 million to fight EAB in 2012. Convincing area businesses to get the ash trees on their properties treated is considered essential to stopping EAB as 80 per cent of Oakville's treatable ash trees are located on private commercial, industrial or residential property. "Healthy trees have many advantages for businesses and the community at large," said Oakville Chamber of Commerce Chair Wendy Rinella during a presentation at the First Canadian Title (FCT) facility, 2235 Sheridan Garden Dr. "From providing shade that reduces energy costs to helping provide clean air, healthy trees are a vital part of Oakville. That's why the chamber is proud to partner with the Town to protect local ash trees from the harmful effects of the emerald ash borer and in promoting a stronger 3 · Friday, June 15, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog Debugging: Sakhi Khawaja, a plant healthcare technician and certified arbourist with Davey Tree Expert Company of Canada Ltd., treats a tree during the Oakville Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Oakville announcement of their new partnership to encourage local businesses to combat the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and enhance Oakville's tree canopy. Also pictured, a branch that has been attacked by the EAB (left) and a healthy branch (right). tree canopy for everyone to enjoy." To get the ball rolling, Rinella said her employer, FCT, would be treating the 25 ash trees on its property with the bioinsecticide TreeAzin. Some of the injections took place during the presentation. "FCT is pleased to join the chamber and the Town in supporting the Oakville tree canopy initiative. We view the beautiful local tree canopy as part of the architecture of our home office," said Patrick Chetcuti, president of the Oakvillebased title insurance company. "FCT is committed to being a very good neighbor and supporting and preserving the conservation of Wildflower Woods. On Earth Day our employees cleaned up the woods and the surrounding area, we have also supported the development of the trail system in this region and we have planted over 135 trees on our property and the community property around us. About 25 of those trees are the lovely ash trees." Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, who was present for the event along with Ward 3 Councillors Keith Bird and Dave Gittings, said the town currently has one of the largest tree canopies in the GTA at 29 per cent and has a goal of reaching 40 per cent by 2057. "We set that goal before we were attacked by the emerald ash borer and we've decided that the way we are going to respond to that is to bear down and fight harder," said Burton. "We really appreciate the way the chamber and First Canadian Title are putting their shoulder to the wheel with us." Burton said EAB threatens the health of nearly 180,000 ash trees in Oakville, which works out to about 10 per cent of the town's forest canopy. Besides treating the ash trees on their own properties, businesses are also being encouraged to adopt a local area and treating the ash trees present. Town of Oakville Forestry Service Manager John McNeil said treating the ash trees on their own properties will save businesses money in the long run as it will cost them more to remove the trees if they die. The Town of Oakville plans to treat 3,300 public ash trees during the summer. In total, 6,000 public ash trees are part of Oakville's EAB treatment program. For more information on how to identify an ash tree, EAB or contacting a licensed arbourist visit www.oakville.ca. THE OAKVILLE CLUB Family - Friendly - Fun Contact us about our 3 Month Trial Membership The Crêpe Kitchen Restaurant - Treat your dad this Father's Day at The Crêpe Kitchen. Delicious sweet & savory Crêpes for the whole family located at 88 Dunn St. Downtown Oakville 905-849-4999 · www.TheCrepeKitchen.ca Where You Belong 56 Water Street, Oakville. ON - 905.845.0231 www.oakvilleclub.com - membership@oakvilleclub.com We sell the most homes in Canada. Let us help you sell yours. www.remaxaboutowne.com Aboutowne Reality Corp., Brokerage 905-338-9000 (Downtown Office) 905-842-7000 (Uptown Office) Independently owned and operated.