Once the digging is finished after the planned reconstruction of Main Street in Vankleek Hill, there will likely be a much greener appearance to the thoroughfare.
Vankleek Hill artist Susie Fairbrother and entrepreneur Samme Putzel have spearheaded an effort to ensure Champlain Township includes trees, shrubs, flowers, and art with the new look to the asphalt and concrete. Their plan, which includes a 25-page report of suggestions and illustrations, is called the Vankleek Hill Main Street Beautification Initiative. So far, the owners of 32 businesses, including The Review, have endorsed the plan.
Fairbrother and Putzel first suggested their idea to Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel, and he urged them to meet with township staff involved in the reconstruction project. Recently, they met with Director of Public Works Maxime Lafrance and Director of Parks and Recreation Sydney Collard and discussed their plan. The meeting went well and they were assured that the inclusion of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other items to enhance the appearance, functionality, and environmental benefits of Main Street will likely be implemented in stages.
“None of it was negative,” Putzel said.
The consultants working on the design plan will include these recommendations in their final plan.
One possible way for citizens to get involved could be to allow them to adopt a-plant, shrub, or tree along Main Street for them to assist with the care of, and to keep the surrounding area clean. Residents, if they choose, could also tend to small boulevard gardens in front of their homes.
The plan also calls for colourful public benches along the street.
“We want the village to be an attractive place to be,” Putzel said.
“I think it’s important to have a nice environment to walk in town,” said Fairbrother.
She noted that studies have shown that when trees are planted along a street, the vehicle traffic slows down.
Fairbrother and Putzel’s plan suggests tree species which are easiest to maintain in urban areas be used along Main Street in Vankleek Hill. These include Blue Beech, Dogwood, and Eastern Redbud. Hardy plants include Hosta and Black-Eyed Susan. Clover is good for growing in areas where there is a lot of exposure to things like road salt.
To give both township staff and the public an idea of how all of these environmental enhancements to Main Street could look, Fairbrother took photos of various residential and commercial buildings, and then used her own skills as an artist by adding trees, shrubs, and flowers to the photo in a way that is far more authentic than artificial intelligence could ever have done.
“It’s all just for us to imagine,” she said.
Both Putzel and Fairbrother would also like to eventually see public art displayed along Main Street in Vankleek Hill.
Overall, the Vankleek Hill Main Street Beautification Plan is something intended to engage the community and create a town centre that serves as not only an aesthetic and environmental benefit but also adds another feature to promote Vankleek Hill. By discussing their plan and securing the support of Champlain Township, Putzel and Fairbrother wanted to ensure each party was taking the same approach.
