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Ash wood recovered as part of fight against the emerald ash borer
New furniture for the Aquatic Centre
Morris Trudeau, mayor of the City of Pointe-Claire, and the members of City Council are proud to unveil the Aquatic Centre’s new furniture. The custom-designed tables and benches are made of recovered ash wood.
“This initiative aligns with our sustainable development practices and gives a second life to high-value wood,” says Mayor Trudeau.
Last year, 325 mature ash trees had to be felled because they were in poor health or in a state of decline, or because of their structure or location. These ash trees did not qualify for the preventive TreeAzin treatment used to fight the emerald ash borer, a destructive insect pest threatening ash trees across North America.
Located on the public right-of-way along streets, in front of homes and in parks, the trees were recovered and taken to the Public Works yard to be converted into planks. The planks were then stored for drying before being used for making furniture.
The original concept was designed to be unique to Pointe-Claire, and a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people integrate the job market and society on a long-lasting basis was chosen to carry it out. The young people built 20 tables and 64 benches for the Aquatic Centre, using the wood from a total of 60 ash trees.
The City also recovers residual ash wood that has no other added value and makes it into chips that are laid on the trails of Terra-Cotta Natural Park or used for landscaping throughout Pointe-Claire.
“We are proud of the Aquatic Centre’s new front lobby area where people can relax,” concludes Mayor Trudeau. “This is an original project, based on sustainable development, that makes use of our ash wood, helps young people work and get involved, and benefits our residents.”
Swim Club athletes enjoying the new furniture at the Aquatic Centre.
Source: City of Pointe-Claire
Information: 514-630-1200, communications@pointe-claire.ca