Public works crews in Altona are about halfway through the town's tree replacement program for the year. Around 100 aging, sick or dead trees have been slated for removal in 2019.

Clint Derksen, Public Works Manager, explained 40 trees were planted this spring in the first phase of the program. 

Among the varieties planted this year are several species of Maple as well as Brandon Elm, which Derksen says has been found to be resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. He noted however, there are no plans to plant any more Ash trees in the community because of the looming threat of the Emerald Ash Borer that has now been found in Manitoba. 

"We're trying to do a variety so if something like the Emerald Ash Borer comes along, we're not so vulnerable," said Derksen.

A second wave of tree planting is scheduled for the fall. 

Meantime, efforts to bring fiber Internet to Altona continue to move along. Beginning in May, crews began digging for the cable network across the community.

"The drilling crew is done for now, they've got the main trunk in," explained Derksen. "Now Valley Fiber crew is in and they're blowing in Fiber."

He expects to see crews working on the project throughout the summer.