By Pepper Parr
June 6, 2016
BURLINGTON, ON
It was a pretty large community endeavour – plating hundreds of trees in a reasonably recent development.
Ward 6 Councillor Blair Lancaster announced the community event and the weather worked for her; a load of people turned out to plans hundreds of trees – and it all happened without the member of council even making an appearance.
It as hard work – but by the end of the day there was an outstanding little forest in the making in place. The kids doing he job will look back on those trees for years to come and take great satisfaction knowing they put them there.
Her husband appeared to have been on hand digging holes to plant a tree – or at least the man in the picture looked like Lancaster’s husband.
As for the Councillor – she was at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual conference that took place in Winnipeg. Lancaster, Mayor Goldring, Councillors Sharman and Meed Ward represented Burlington at the three day event. Lancaster will surely tour the planting later this week and marvel at all the really good work that was done.
The trick now is to ensure that these trees are watered regularly during the first year and properly supported while they find their own legs.
Might she wonder as she walks amongst the planted trees – that maybe they don’t need her on hand at all. The citizens can do it all by themselves – frightening thought for any politician.
Credit does go to the Council member and her staff for getting it off the ground and making all the parts come together.
A great example of organizing a community, understanding they want to be involved and are capable of making it happen.
Leaders provide opportunity and the necessary elements for their team to succeed, they don’t interfere or micro manage.
Well done Councilor Lancaster.