REGINA - An outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease in Regina has made its way to Wascana Centre.
The province is reporting that in Wascana Centre, one tree has tested positive for Dutch Elm Disease on August 20 and has been removed. The tree was located near Goose Hill close to the Science Centre.
Additional testing is underway to identify other cases and to ensure that those elms are also removed and disposed of safely, according to the province.
The issue is a particular concern as Wascana is the location of around 5000 elm trees, according to the province, making up 13 per cent of the canopy there. There is already an extensive monitoring and surveillance effort to prevent Dutch Elm Disease, which is spread by beetles.
It is already a bad year for Dutch Elm Disease in other parts of Regina. Earlier this year, Regina city crews had closed off a block of Elphinstone Street to remove several infected trees. At the time, the city's manager of Open Space Services Russell Eirich had told reporters it was the worst year ever for Dutch Elm Disease in Regina.
Cases of Dutch Elm Disease have also turned up elsewhere in the province this year, including in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw.
Dutch Elm Disease has been relatively rare within Wascana Centre itself, but there have been one case each in 2014, 2019 and now 2024.
"Regina's elm trees are a defining characteristic of Wascana Centre and the entire city," Provincial Capital Commission Executive Director Jenna Schroeder said in a statement.
"While we invite everyone to enjoy the picnic sites throughout Wascana Centre, please do not transport elm wood into the centre for recreational use. Prevention is the best tool to stop the spread of Dutch Elm Disease."
