The Emerald Ash Borer has devastated neighborhoods that were once bathed in the shade of stately Ash trees. But thanks to the ingenuity and creativity of a number of partners, what was once a tragedy is now a triumph. An upcoming launch celebrates how teamwork has led to inspiring solutions. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, will be held at the Tree and Wood Recovery Centre at the Small Arms Building, 1352 Lakeshore Drive, Mississauga from 11:30 – 1 p.m.
The launch of the newly created Tree and Wood Recovery Centre in partnership with Sawmill Sid and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), features ribbon cutting ceremony with Mississauga Councilor and TRCA Board Member Jim Tovey, live sawmilling of reclaimed ash trees, a tour of the facility, Forests Ontario and LEAF to educate attendees, Canadian Institute of Forestry speaking about carbon capture, Blair Baker will be creating a one of kind chainsaw sculpture, Chef and Somm providing food samplers served on Ash wood charcuterie boards, students from Judieh Nyman Secondary School’s woodworking program, and displays of furniture and woodworking projects made from repurposed Ash lumber.
“This event is all about celebration in the face of an ecological tragedy,” Malaz Sebai, Project Manager, Waste Management, TRCA’s Partners in Project Green said. “Like-minded, determined people have joined forces to make something wonderful happen. Municipalities, entrepreneurs, schools and artisans have joined together to repurpose Ash wood. It’s been a remarkably creative and collaborative experience.”
Sid Gendron of Sawmill Sid is pleased he was able to work with TRCA to establish a wood recovery location within the city. The end result is now Ash trees can be processed closer to home, cut to size for furniture makers and artisans without driving far out of the city.
“This is a perfect example of municipalities, business, conservation, education and art are playing a role in dealing with a serious issue,” Gendron said. “People have been asking for something like this to be created and now it’s finally here. Together we found a more creative solution than chipping up Ash trees or using them for firewood. We’re thrilled to partner with TRCA to make this centre a reality.”
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For more information, or to arrange an interview regarding the Tree and Wood Recovery Centre, please contact: