Proceeds from Slots at Mohawk fund ash tree removal, replacement

InsideHalton.com
Nov. 4, 2016

On the heels of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s second-quarter payment to Milton for hosting the OLG Slots at Mohawk Racetrack, the Town held a tree planting ceremony to recognize the Crown corporation for its support in addressing an insect problem that has plagued the municipal tree canopy.

According to the Town, approximately $1.2 million from non-tax gaming revenue in 2016 helped fund the emerald ash borer tree removal and replacement program.

It is estimated that the emerald ash borer will destroy most of the ash tree species in Milton over the next three years.

About 2,500 infected trees were removed between 2014 and 2016, with roughly 1,500 trees slated to be cut down in 2017, noted the Town. The trees will be replaced with a diverse range of new species to help make the urban forest more resilient against future pests and diseases.

The Town estimates that the emerald ash borer issue will cost $3.2 million over several years.

“Proceeds from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation have a tremendous impact on important community programs like the emerald ash borer tree removal and replacement,” said Mayor Gord Krantz.

Since the Slots at Mohawk opened in August 1999, Milton has been on the receiving end of more than $99.5 million in non-tax gaming revenue. The OLG’s most recent payment to Milton totalled $1,794,707.