Town cuts down 'hazardous' trees on ‘Deadman’s Hill’

The town has removed four white pine trees from Fuller Heights Park in an effort to make the hill safer for residents using it for winter recreation. 

The trees were around 15-20 years old and were removed by the town's contractor on Tuesday. 

The town said the trees were removed because they posed a hazard to toboganners. 

The hill, dubbed 'Deadman's Hill' by residents, has been used by the community for years as a ski and toboggan run in winter.

Last month, a Bradford mother was severely injured after her toboggan smashed into one of the hydro towers located on the east side of the hill. Her accident prompted a discussion at town council whether or not to close the hill entirely for safety concerns, which caused a backlash among residents. 

Fuller Heights Park includes a Hydro One transmission tower corridor, and Hydro One has indicated that it does not want tobogganing on its easement, which extends 50 feet (about 15 metres) on either side of the towers. 

In last week's council meeting, councillors agreed to leave the hill status quo but add more warning signage at the park and work with Hydro One on an updated landscaping plan. The town also put up snow fencing around the towers. 

On Tuesday evening residents expressed mixed feelings about the removal of the trees on one of the community Facebook pages. 

Some were pleased to see the trees removed from the hill, but others didn't think it was the most 'green' choice. 

"I will truly miss these trees as they provided a tremendous amount of shade in the summertime. I used to always put a blanket down and spend hours in the shade, what a shame!" read one comment.  

The town will be working together with Hydro One this spring to review the hill and other potential mitigation measures that will improve safety for all users. Part of the plan will include landscaping, which will include new trees being planted away from the hill to replace the ones removed. 

"We understand that it's always sad to see a tree come down but, in this case, safety had to take priority, and we will find ways to give back to the environment what we have taken away," said Caleigh Clubine, Community Relations Officer for the town.