Medicine Hat removing 12 dying trees from Veterans' Memorial Park
Crews began the work this week and will continue past the Thanksgiving long weekend, with residents urged to avoid active work zones.
The City of Medicine Hat has started removing 12 dead or dying trees from Riverside Veterans' Memorial Park this week, citing safety hazards posed by the trees' poor health. The trees are scattered throughout the park, and crews expect the removal work to extend beyond the Thanksgiving long weekend.
Residents are being asked to steer clear of active work areas while the removals are underway. City officials say the decision to take down mature trees is not made lightly, but proactive removal of unhealthy trees helps reduce hazards and supports the long-term health of the urban forest.
More than 12 new trees will be planted in the park in spring 2027 as part of the city's Urban Canopy Enhancement Initiative. The planting will be funded through the Growing Canada's Community Canopies grant program, with the goal of expanding the park's tree canopy and boosting biodiversity.
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