Notice of Tree Removal - Rutherford Road widening
York Region is installing new sidewalks and cycle tracks as part of the Rutherford Road widening and improvement project between Highway 400 and Westburne Drive in the City of Vaughan.
A row of trees on the north side of Rutherford Road, between Greenock Drive and Keele Street, will be removed to build the new sidewalk and cycle track. For every tree that is removed, at least two trees will be planted.
The installation is being completed in partnership with the City of Vaughan and complies with all local bylaws. Tree removal and replacement will be overseen by a certified arborist. A variety of new trees will be planted including spruce, maple and oak.
Tree removal will take place in spring and summer 2025. Tree planting will take place in spring 2026 when warmer soil temperatures and wet weather allow roots to establish.
As with all construction projects, work may be rescheduled due to weather. York Region will provide advance notice where possible.
Project information and updates are available by visiting york.ca/RutherfordRoad
Thank you for your patience during the construction period. We understand construction creates challenges for the community and we are working to deliver this project with minimal disruption. If you have any questions or concerns, staff will be pleased to respond. Contact us using any method noted below and quote “Rutherford Road improvements” in your inquiry.
York Region, Public Works
Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75000
TTY: 1-866-512-6228
Email: [email protected]
After hours emergency: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75200
Frequently Asked Questions
What improvements are being made to Rutherford Road?
York Region is widening Rutherford Road from Highway 400 to Westburne Drive in the City of Vaughan to accommodate growth and provide more travel options. Project benefits include two additional traffic lanes, new cycle tracks and sidewalks, upgraded traffic signals and street lighting, median planters and boulevard trees, and a freshly paved road surface. Further information and project updates are available by visiting york.ca/RutherfordRoad
Where are trees being removed?
York Region is installing a sidewalk along Rutherford Road in partnership with the City of Vaughan. A row of trees on the north side of Rutherford Road, between Greenock Drive and Keele Street, will be removed to build the new sidewalk.
Why is it necessary to remove the trees?
Changing the sidewalk location to prevent tree removal is not possible. There are utility poles and underground utilities which cannot be moved. Also, to build the sidewalk the same height as the road, the ground surrounding the trees must be lowered. Excavation will cut away and damage existing roots, affecting tree health.
Are there environmental protection measures in place?
Work will be overseen by a certified arborist and avian biologist and comply with tree and bird protection bylaws. If bird nests are present, the tree and nest will be left in place until the birds have hatched and left the nest later in the summer. The contractor will be recycling removed trees.
Will new trees be planted?
A variety of trees will be planted to replace the trees, including spruce, maple and oak with heights of approximately 2.5 metres. For every tree that is removed, at least two trees will be planted.
When is work starting?
Tree removal will take place in spring and summer 2025. Tree planting will take place in spring 2026 when warmer soil and temperatures allow roots to establish.
What are the impacts to residents?
During construction, residents will see trucks and workers and may hear equipment like chain saws and woodchippers. Work will take place during the daytime. Lane reductions may be required.
Who can we contact if we have questions?
We are here to answer your questions.
York Region
Contact Centre Hours
Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, holidays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Telephone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75000
TTY: 1-866-512-6228
Email: [email protected]
york.ca/ReportaProblem
For after-hours emergencies, contact our Roads and Traffic Operations Centre at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75200.
