Boyle Christmas spruce intended for end-of-life care

BOYLE – Boyle residents this summer may notice the absence of a long-standing community gathering place on the site where the old city hall once stood.

“The Department of Public Works has informed me that the top of the old spruce is turning brown and red, which means it is dying,” CAO Warren Griffin told councilors during their July 17 council meeting. “We will probably bring in an arborist sometime this summer to cut it down.”

The tree stands at the intersection of 3 Street and 1 Avenue, in front of the former site of City Hall and across from the old-fashioned Station Wellness Centre. Nestled between streetlights, fire hydrants and towering deciduous trees, the spruce is recognizable during the holidays by the lights, baubles and tinsel that decorate its branches.

“It's sad to see it go because it was beautiful, but it looks so run down and we can't restore it to a beautiful appearance,” said Mayor Colin Derko. “Even if we could, it's now showing signs of dying – it's run its course.”

“It doesn’t have to be dangerous,” said City Councilor Pat Ferguson.

Although the administration noted that no negative feedback had been received from residents during the information campaign about the move, the item was put on the agenda so that everyone would be informed about it.

“We just wanted to let the council know before we do anything, in case anyone asks about it,” Griffin said.

Councilman Shelby Kiteley suggested replacing the spruce with another tree or plant, and Griffin noted that its removal would allow the city to either add foliage or put up signs in future years.

“I’m sad that it’s over, but excited about the future,” Derko said.

Lexi Freehill, TownandCountryToday.com