(FILE)
WINNIPEG — Manitoba Hydro will remove 262 trees along Selkirk Avenue between Keewatin and Railway streets starting next week as part of ongoing efforts to improve grid safety and reliability.
The utility says the trees — mostly fast-growing Siberian elms — have encroached on 22 spans of 24,000-volt distribution lines serving thousands of customers. Tree contact has already caused outages and poses safety hazards, including the risk of energized branches, fires, and downed power lines.
Hydro says trimming won’t provide enough clearance or prevent regrowth, making full removal necessary.
“We trim trees away from power lines where possible, but in situations like this, unfortunately removal is the only option,” said Steven McDonald of Manitoba Hydro’s Forestry Section. “The priority is greater safety for our customers and employees, and fewer power outages.”
The work is part of a broader increase in vegetation management across Manitoba, including trimming, tree removal, mechanical brush clearing, and selective herbicide use.
