ManitobaThe executive director of Brandon Downtown BIZ says the loss of 71 diseased ash trees is ‘a necessary evil,’ and hopes new plantings will help restore life to the city’s core.City removing 71 ash trees from downtown to fight invasive pestChelsea Kemp · CBC News · Posted: Sep 19, 2025 6:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 4 hours agoThe City of Brandon is removing 71 ash trees from the city’s downtown core. (Chelsea Kemp/CBC)Downtown Brandon looks a little barer this week as the city removes 71 ash trees to stop the spread of an invasive pest.The trees had to be cut down to prevent further infestation by cottony ash psyllid — commonly known as jumping tree lice— the city said in a press release. Most of the removals are along Seventh, Ninth, 10th, and 11th streets between Pacific and Louise avenues, with some on Rosser Avenue.Emmy Sanderson, executive director of Brandon Downtown BIZ, says many of the trees looked unhealthy, even in summer.She hopes new plantings will help restore life to the city’s core.”It’s a necessary evil,” she said. “Sometimes you have to remove the unhealthy parts so the rest can thrive.”Emmy Sanderson, executive director of Brandon Downtown BIZ, says many of the trees looked unhealthy, even in summer. (Chelsea Kemp/CBC)While the loss is stark, she believes it will add to downtown beautification in the long run, Sanderson said. Many of the trees appeared dead year-round, and replacing them with healthy species could help improve how the downtown core looks.The Downtown BIZ has been pushing for beautification as part of broader revitalization efforts tied to safety, foot traffic and investment. Sanderson says some initiatives — like adding lights to trees — will be paused until replanting is complete.Communication with businesses has been important, and so far, the removals haven’t sparked a major backlash, she said.Biz members, Sanderson said, are generally supportive of anything that highlights downtown in a positive light — whether it’s art projects, flowers, or new trees. She trusts the city is handling the process and is looking forward to spring to see what takes root.The city’s replanting program is slated for spring 2026, with a mix of species intended to create a stronger, healthier future for Brandon’s downtown canopy. CBC requested an interview with the city but one was not provided by deadline.Beautification essentialJames Chambers, general manager of Chez Angela Bakery and Café, said trees play a big role in making downtown feel alive. He says the trees in front of his café are part of the neighbourhood’s character.”We say hi to them … it’s part of our downtown,” he said, adding that it will be sad to see them go.He believes replanting is essential to revitalization. Chambers says greenery works hand-in-hand with murals, flowers and other beautification projects to create a welcoming space.He wants to see further investment — not just in trees, but in signage, guided walks and historic placards that celebrate downtown.James Chambers, general manager of Chez Angela Bakery and Café, says they’ll miss the trees coming down in front of his building. (Chelsea Kemp/CBC)Revitalization is happening through business investments, but Chambers wants more municipal, provincial and federal support, particularly when it comes to social programs.”Whenever people see something come down there’s maybe an initial worry or concern … that it’s kind of like a continued downward trend,” he said. “But, if they step back and see that those things are done in the name of rebuilding and building.”Lisa Vasconcelos, owner of Mecca Productions Theatre and Performing Arts Centre, also supports the removals but says more work is needed. She wants downtown to reflect the pride of the people who work there every day.”Addressing the garbage on the street every day and investing in the human resources needed to keep it looking clean is a big step towards creating an inviting space,” she said.Vasconcelos, whose studio sees hundreds of performers visit weekly, said she appreciates other improvements downtown — like the city tackling abandoned buildings to cadet patrols — but there is a need for ongoing investment in cleanliness, garbage pickup and visible beautification, she said.Lisa Vasconcelos, owner of Mecca Productions Theatre and Performing Arts Centre, wants downtown to reflect the pride of the people who work there every day. (Chelsea Kemp/CBC)”The heart of the city is right here, and I think it needs more love and attention,” she said.Sanderson remains optimistic that new plantings, combined with other projects like the Downtown Market and art murals, will help the core flourish.”Sometimes, like with the trees coming down, it’s a little two steps forward, one step back, ” Sanderson said. “But we’re hopeful in the end it’s for the greater good.”Brandon clears diseased trees from city’s downtownMore than 70 ash trees are coming down in Brandon’s core to stop the spread of jumping tree lice. Businesses say the removals have left streets looking bare — but they’re hopeful new growth will bring life back to the downtown. ABOUT THE AUTHORChelsea Kemp is a multimedia journalist with CBC Manitoba. She is based in CBC’s bureau in Brandon, covering stories focused on rural Manitoba. Share your story ideas, tips and feedback with chelsea.kemp@cbc.ca.
Brandon’s core losing dozens of trees, but business leaders see chance for renewal
