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Dozens of trees, including memorial trees, planted to honour loved ones were vandalized along a popular trail bisecting the city of Niagara Falls.
The city said on Monday that 32 trees were intentionally damaged, some snapped in two, along the length of the 7.5-kilometre trail connecting the city’s north and south ends along the length of the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) hydro canal.
The city said in a new release that city staff have assessed the widespread damage and will begin removing the damaged trees over the next week or two to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the trail.
Memorial trees damaged by vandalism will be replanted as soon as possible. The remaining trees will be replaced this fall.
“We understand how meaningful these trees are to residents, particularly those planted in memory of loved ones,” said Mayor Jim Diodati. “We share the community’s disappointment over this senseless act and are committed to restoring the area as quickly as possible.”
The city said it costs about $550 to $700 per tree to remove the destroyed ones and replace them, meaning the total cost will exceed $20,000.
The Millennium Trail in Niagara Falls, along the Ontario Power Generation Hydro Canal, is shown in a YouTube video produced by the city. Dozens of trees were vandalized along the trail. (City of Niagara Falls)
“These expenses ultimately fall on taxpayers and divert resources that could otherwise be invested in community services and improvements,” the city said.
The city said that, at the suggestion of city Coun. Victor Pietrangelo, OPG has agreed to redirect a planned fall tree-planting initiative to the section of the Millennium Recreational Trail affected by the vandalism.
In partnership with the city’s environmental action committee, OPG will sponsor the planting of about 40 to 50 native trees this September.
That planting initiative was originally planned for another area of the trail system. The Millennium Trail consists of six different sections, named after people and groups that have left a big impact on the city such as the Niagara Falls Lions Club, and resident and former city councillor Paisley Janvary-Pool.
The trail was completed in 2022 after more than 20 years of work.
The city said if people see vandalism in progress, they should call 911. If they find vandalism that’s already occurred, they can call the non-emergency Niagara Regional Police number at 905-688-4111.