The fact sheet: "Ontario Boosts Green Community Initiative" informs the public that the province is investing $19,700 to help the Township of Stone Mills develop a work plan for green initiatives concerning the Tamworth/Erinsville area. In the Village of Newburgh, there is a large sign with the Ontario Provincial logo on it, promoting the "Newburgh Street and Drainage Rehabilitation Project" which entails removing all of Newburgh's old growth trees. This year, nine are slated for removal from Academy St.

The removal of these trees contravenes the provinces plan "to help the township [] address community concerns about climate change, energy and water consumption and air pollution"[i], destroys beautiful streetscapes and removes an important part of Newburgh's heritage.

These trees are valuable assets, which remove pollutants from the air, are important homes to a wide variety of wildlife, and help draw water to the surface.

The Village of Newburgh depends on wells for water. As noted on page 46 of the "Township of Stone Mills Community Profile, March 12, 2008", there are currently no known areas of contamination within the township, but there are "contaminant sources that have potential to pose a risk [which] include both active and inactive paper mills in Strathcona and Newburgh, pig farms, salt storage facilities, and pesticide storage facilities in Newburgh and Tamworth (see Appendix ) (Quinte Regional Groundwater Study, 2004)". Our water system is fragile, and trees have an important function, not only in the purification of water, but also in drawing it upwards towards the surface, so that Newburgh residents continue to have as much water as is needed.

Equally important are the trees' historical importance, and the role they play in Newburgh. "Much of Newburgh's character is derived from the human scale of its streets and buildings. There is ease in an environment where buildings have a specific relationship with the street and the pace of vehicular traffic is inhibited by narrow roadways. Other characteristics such as a tree canopy, [] create a relaxed pedestrian-oriented atmosphere unique to such places ". (Rogues' Hollow 42)

Part of the Stone Mill's study[ii] refers to the "opportunities to foster a rural image". The trees, their role in the Village of Newburgh's streetscape and their aesthetic value contribute to the rural image, mentioned in this study. Cutting down these trees, removing their canopy, and adding curbs, detrimentally changes the look of the village, and is in direct opposition to the suggestions of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario[iii].

Residents are proud of their village and its historical significance. The Village of Newburgh is home to an enormous amount of talent, some of which will be showcased in the Art Among the Ruins show on June 14th. This show, for the 3rd year in a row, will draw people from far away who come to Newburgh to purchase art for their homes and businesses. Residents are working hard to develop an important art scene within the village and to attract people to our beautiful hamlet.

As noted by Peter Stokes: "Many residents of Ontario have become so detached from history and the small town lifestyle that the preservation of the genuine country atmosphere of Newburgh should be a major priority." (Rogues' Hollow 153)
[i] http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/infores/releases/2008/041708.htm
[ii] Township of Stone Mills Community Profile, March 12, 2008
[iii] Rogues' Hollow: the story of the village of Newburgh Ontario through its buildings ISBN: 9780969149101, pg. 163