March 10, 1998

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Director of Development & Support - Toronto Parks and Recreation, City Hall Office

Subject: Request for Removal of a City-owned Tree - 7 Gange Avenue

(Ward 23 - Midtown)

Purpose:

City Council approval is required respecting staff decisions on applications for removal of trees on municipal property pursuant to: Municipal Code, Chapter 331, Article I; authority delegated to City staff to plant, maintain or remove trees; and approved criteria.

The Toronto Community Council as a standing Committee of City Council under the Procedural Bylaw has been authorized to hear deputations, if any, and make recommendations to City Council respecting staff decisions, on among other things requests to remove trees located on City street allowance.

An application has been received from Mr. Alex Boros, Architect for the removal of a City owned tree in order to facilitate construction of professional offices.

Recommendation:

That City Council approve the following staff decision:

1. the applicant submit payment for the value of the tree-of-heaven, removal and replacement costs, a total of $1,746.76; and

2. the applicant plant four new trees in turf on Gange Avenue City street allowance upon completion of the project in accordance with Landscape Plan L1 prepared by Laura Starr Landscape Ltd. date stamped February 9, 1998 by Urban Development Services.

Comments:

I have received a request from Mr. Alex Boros, Architect, 421 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, M5N 1A4, that Toronto Community Council consider removal of a City owned tree-of-heaven at the above noted address. Mr. Boros reports that the tree is in direct conflict with a proposed vehicle entrance. The request forms part of a Site Plan Approval application filed with Urban Development Services for the purpose of facilitating construction of professional offices.

The tree in question is a 37cm diameter tree-of-heaven. The tree stands in fair condition and is valued at $878.19. Tree removal costs are $392.76 and tree replacement costs in turf are $475.62, for a total of $1,746.57.

The applicant proposes to plant four new >Autumn Blaze= Freeman maple in turf on Gange Avenue as part of the landscape improvements associated with this project. The planting of these new trees will enhance the streetscape in this area. I therefore recommend approval for removal of this tree subject to conditions set out in this report.

Susan Richardson

Director, Development & Support

___WQ

WQ

[(p:\1998\ug\cms\prk\TO980023.prk)]

Contact Name: Warren Quan

Email: wquan@city.toronto.on.ca

Tel: 416-392-1940

Fax: 416-392-6657