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Burlington, Ont.— July 9, 2026— The City of Burlington is working to make Spencer Smith Park more accessible while ensuring the cherry trees remain beautiful and picturesque for all to enjoy.
The Spencer Smith Park cherry tree pathway renewal project is currently in the tender and award process. Once complete, the project will include a new accessible pedestrian pathway extension, bordered by newly planted cherry trees, ensuring they continue to be part of the parks landscape for decades to come.
Over the past several years, the City’s forestry team has worked to maintain the health of the park’s cherry trees through selective pruning and removal of dead or severely declining trees. Despite pruning efforts, many of the remaining trees are nearing the end of their natural lifespan.
The City’s phased renewal plan allows new cherry trees to be planted before the existing trees need to be removed, helping preserve the park’s well-loved, sentimental cherry tree display.
While the existing cherry trees are in decline, they continue to be monitored and can still be enjoyed by visitors this year and in the years leading up to the 2031 renewal.
To preserve the presence of cherry trees in Spencer Smith Park, the City has planned a phased removal and replanting strategy in coordination with pathway upgrades at Spencer Smith Park later this year:
Summer 2026
- Project tender and award process underway
Fall 2026
- Construction begins on the extension of the existing pathway with a new four-metre-wide concrete path.
- The removal of nine invasive trees including Tree of Heaven, Mulberry and Norway Maple.
Spring 2027
- Crews will plant 18 new cherry trees along the new concrete pathway. Work is scheduled for spring to protect tree health and reduce disruption to summer events.
2031
- Removal and replacement of the remaining aging cherry trees that are in decline
- Reconstruction of the existing path with a new four-metre-wide concrete path
By 2031, the new trees planted in fall 2026 will be well established, ensuring the cherry blossoms continue to thrive year after year in the park.
The City will share further updates in advance of construction this fall. There will be no construction or interruptions to any summer events as this project will begin after Ribfest 2026. Residents are encouraged to subscribe for updates at burlington.ca/cherrytreepathway to stay informed.
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Quick Facts
- Burlington and Itabashi twinned in May 1989.
- Kan and Toshiko Nakazawa of Itabashi, Japan, were leaders in the twinning of Itabashi with Burlington. The couple donated the original cherry trees in 1997, known as the sakura in Japan, and limestone kanto walkway in Spencer Smith Park. Kan Nakazawa was named an Honourary Burlington Citizen in 1991.
Quotes
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“The beautiful cherry blossom trees in Spencer Smith Park have long served as a living symbol of the enduring friendship and cultural connection between Burlington and Itabashi. For many years, these beautiful trees have brought joy to residents and visitors alike through their vibrant spring blossoms, cooling shade, and the sense of connection they inspire within our community. The renewal project will ensure an accessible pathway so all residents can enjoy the trees, while planning phased renewal of aging trees so we have an ongoing canopy to enjoy for years to come.”
Rory Nisan, Ward 3 Councillor and Council Liaison for the City of Burlington's Mundialization Committee
"As Council’s liaison to Burlington’s Mundialization Committee, I’m proud to see this renewal work honour the spirit of friendship and international understanding that has long defined Burlington’s relationship with Itabashi, Japan. The cherry trees stand as a symbol of the connections that can be built between communities across the world. By renewing this important feature of Spencer Smith Park, we are preserving a meaningful reminder of Burlington’s commitment to global understanding and our twinning relationships."
Lisa Kearns, City Councillor, Ward 2
“Spencer Smith Park holds a special place in the hearts of our community, especially during cherry blossom season when people come together to connect, celebrate and enjoy the waterfront. This renewal project is about preserving those shared experiences while creating a space that is more accessible and welcoming for everyone. By planning ahead and planting new Sakura trees alongside the existing ones, we’re making sure this beloved tradition continues for residents and visitors for years to come.”
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