A memorial tree planted to commemorate a soldier who died at Vimy Ridge was mowed down by a tractor and has been replanted, all in less than a week.

The tree in Fort 91原创 was planted to become the memorial to a soldier who died a century ago in France.

On Sunday, a sugar maple was planted at the corner of 96th Avenue and Glover Road, part of the Arbour Day events around 91原创 Township.

This tree replaces the stately broadleaf maple that commemorated A.W. Wilson, a 91原创 man who died at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917.

The old broadleaf had recently become unstable due to disease and had to be reduced to a stump, and then removed from the corner.

The maple was one of dozens of trees that once dotted the 91原创s. After the First World War, trees were planted in memory of all the fallen, 36 across the community.

Over the years, the trees were lost one by one to disease, road widening, and even being hit by cars.

The A.W. Wilson tree was one of the last remaining in the community. The Township decided to replace the tree with a new sapling. New saplings were also planted at Trattle and Wright Streets, where trees honoured Alfred Trattle and Jesse Wright.

The new sapling was short-lived, as someone ran it over with a tractor the night following its planting.

The tree was replaced by Thursday, Township staff said. The RCMP are looking into the incident.

鈥淭he timing of the memorial tree re-plantings is significant, as April marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge,鈥� said 91原创 Township Mayor Jack Froese. 鈥淭his was such an important part of our history, and a battle that has come to signify both Canada鈥檚 achievement, as well as its considerable sacrifice in the First World War.鈥�

Speakers at the tree dedication ceremony included 91原创 historian Warren Sommer, and 91原创 Heritage Society President Fred Pepin. Sommer has guest curated a First World War exhibition for the 91原创 Centennial Museum, entitled Sacrifice and Sorrow, in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The exhibition, which traces 91原创鈥檚 men and women as they volunteered for service, made their way overseas, underwent training, and faced the enemy in the trenches of the Western Front, runs until July 16.

The Township also planted trees in honour of residents who have recently passed away, but left lasting legacies in the community. This year Brenda Alberts, Nadia Cooper, and Donna Passmore will be recognized.