The Emerald ash borer, a pest expected to wipe out an entire species of trees, has spread to Richmond Hill and Thornhill, the latest study from York Region confirmed.
“There were several areas of Markham that were heavily infested,” said Ian Buchanan, manager of the natural heritage and forestry services department. Buchanan said the study, which concluded late last month, also confirmed signs that the insect has now spread to Richmond Hill.
“The Emerald ash borer will kill all ash trees,” he said. “That’s devastating. It will change the character of our communities. Eventually, the trees will dissappear.” The insect has spread rapidly across southwestern Ontario and parts of Michigan, from Windsor to Toronto. Councillors and regional staff place responsibility on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the federal bureau responsible for pest control. However, now that that the bug is rampant in York Region, the burden lies with municipalities and residents to pick up the pieces.
“It’s going to be devastating to our residents,” said Coun. Valerie Burke. “I can’t understand why the federal government hadn’t taken stricter measures. One less species [of trees] greatly reduces our biodiversity,” she added.
Buchanan said the region will now shift their focus from preventative measures to tree removal and educating the public. Currently, there are roughly 7,000 ash trees on York Region lands, which Buchanan estimates will cost $7 million to remove and replace as they become hazardous.
“It’s quite disappointing,” he said. “It will hit home in our communities and with our residents, and in everyone’s pocketbooks.”