One of the province's busiest stretches of road has received a facelift. The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project, a recently launched initiative to enhance the natural environment along Island roads, has completed work along the Arterial Highway for the season.
The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project is a cooperative partnership of the Departments of Transportation and Public Works, Agriculture and Forestry, CADC, the Sir Andrew MacPhail Woodlot and the PEI Arbor Society. Beginning in late May, staff from the Department of Transportation and Public Works completed enhancement work on the north and south side of the Arterial Highway from Upton Road to the Brackley Point Road to address issues of sound and air pollution and improve the general aesthetic of the highway.
"The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project certainly exceeded our expectations on many fronts. We were able to plant more stock over a larger area than originally anticipated yet still come in under budget. The project generated very positive public feedback and its success would not have been possible without the cooperation of our community partners," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon.
In total, over 4500 trees and shrubs native to Prince Edward Island were planted over a 3.5 kilometre section of the Arterial Highway. These included tree varieties such as oak, pine, maple, sumac, cedar, butternut and hemlock. Shrub varieties planted included rose, cranberry, raisin, elderberry, dogwood and bayberry.
"This project will have great lasting benefit. By planting species normally found in different regions of the province, the public will get a better sense of the history and variety of our forests," said PEI Arbor Society President Catherine Hennessey.
The completion of the pilot project coincided with the arrival of the judges for the Communities in Bloom contest who were treated to a guided tour of the newly planted areas by Minister MacKinnon.
"The Highway Naturalization Pilot Project will help improve the appearance of the Arterial Highway by making it the signature entranceway to the city. By working in partnership on a project like this we are showing that truly our community is in bloom," said Charlottetown Mayor George MacDonald.
Future projects will be determined by the level of community interest and the availability of resources. Interested communities and groups can learn more about sponsoring a Highway Naturalization Project in their area by contacting their local community development officer or the Community Development Bureau at 368-6360.