Blossoming trees to lead travellers downtown, Group aims to make Wilson Street the prettiest in Canada

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Kassina Ryder

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This photo, which was edited in Photoshop, shows what Wilson Street would look like in spring.

Photo courtesy of Jeff Dean

This photo, which was edited in Photoshop, shows what Wilson Street would look like in spring.

EMC News - A group of volunteers aims to make Wilson Street the "Prettiest Street in Canada."

In a presentation to Perth town council on Jan. 17, Jeff Dean said the goal is to plant different species of trees along Wilson Street that blossom at different times of the year, along with Crimson King maples and midnight chokecherry trees.

Pink-blossomed, flowering almond trees would bloom in the spring, Japanese silk lilac would bloom in the summer and hydrangea trees would bloom in the fall.

"You have three seasons of 'wow'," Dean told council.

The trees would create a similar effect cherry blossoms have in Washington, DC, he said. Every spring, tourists travel to Washington to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. A small-scale version of this attraction can be recreated in Perth, Dean said.

The trees would also draw traffic from Hwy 7 onto Wilson Street, which would lead travellers straight into downtown Perth.

An archway across the street would add to the attraction, he also said.

If approved, the goal is to plant trees as soon as possible to make sure they will be fully grown and blossoming by Perth's 200th anniversary.

"It could be really spectacular by 2016," he said.

The project will improve property values on Wilson Street and area and will attract tourists, as well as business and residential investors, Dean said.

The project, which is being organized by the Wilson Street Beautification Advisory Panel, will cost an estimated $24,000. Dean, who is also the current president of the Rotary Club of Perth, said the club has offered to pay half the cost if the town will pick up the other half.

The initiative also includes placing banners highlighting Perth's 200th anniversary on the lampposts along the street at a cost of $7,930. The Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation will provide $6,000 worth of funding and the town would cover the remainder.

The placement and density of the trees will depend on property owners on Wilson Street, Dean said. Information and possibly an open house outlining the project will take place throughout the early spring until May to give owners the chance to learn about the project and voice their opinions. Trees won't be planted without permission from owners.

Mayor John Fenik asked if the species of trees were hearty enough to withstand the climate and environmental conditions along the street, such as winter road salt. Dean said trees such as the Crimson King maple had already been planted along the street and were doing well, and the group selected the other species based on their ability to thrive in Canada's climate.

Fenik said he liked the idea.

"This is an excellent way to craft that gateway into Perth," he said.

Coun. Beth Peterkin said the project illustrates the enthusiasm behind Perth's anniversary.

"This is an example of the excitement being generated by the 200th anniversary project," she said.

Coun. Judy Brown said she agreed.

"I'm all for it," she said.

kassina.ryder@perthcourier.com