Plans to develop an arboretum at the Waterfront Park in Pembroke are moving forward.
The public had an opportunity to comment and provide feedback at the location of the proposed arboretum as part of a public meeting on Friday afternoon (November 5th, 2021).
No negative comments were received from those in attendance.
The arboretum would be located in the empty 3 acre green space at the Waterfront Park along Fred Blackstein Boulevard, between the Pembroke Marina and Algonquin College.
Plans for the arboretum include building a bird habitat with trees, shrubs, flowers, a bird bath, bird feeders and benches.
A presenters corner would be constructed with a small stage to host groups.
Benches would be added, trees would be planted, existing trees would be identified, a rose garden is planned along with a solar power fountain.
The arboretum would also have open space in the middle for hosting midways, concerts, fundraisers, destination events or even flying kites.
The arboretum would be built as a centennial project of the Pembroke Horticultural Society and Pembroke Kiwanis Club, in partnership with the City of Pembroke and supported by the Pembroke Petawawa District Community Foundation.
Deputy Mayor Ron Gervais says it’s nice to see so many groups working together to help improve Pembroke.
Gervais adds with the support from council and endorsement from the community, the committee can move forward with the proposal and concept.
Councillor Brian Abdallah says the arboretum will enhance the space for everyone.
Speaking on behalf of the Horticultural Society and Kiwanis Club, Fred Blackstein says he expects to see some trees to be planted in the spring of 2022 and adds a lot of the work, including the presenters corner, will likely be done in a years time.
Students at Algonquin College in the forestry program, led by Peter Arbor, will help with the tree planting.
Arbor told those at the public meeting all the new trees could be planted within the next three to five years.
Businesses and organizations can sponsor parts of the arboretum.
Feedback, comments and questions can be emailed to gardenpembroke@gmail.com
Conceptual plans of the Waterfront Park Arboretum in Pembroke, Ontario, presented to city council by Fred Blackstein.
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