October 22, 1998
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
Subject:Request For Removal Of One City Owned Tree - 18 Foxbar Road
(Ward 23 - Midtown)
Purpose:
An application has been received from Mr. Robert J, McCrea, Robert J. McCrea Architect,
31 Chaplin Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 1A2, for City Council to consider removal of
one City owned tree. Mr. McCrea reports that the tree is in direct conflict with a proposed
driveway and integral garage addition. In addition, the applicant proposes to plant a 150
mm caliper Red Oak on City street allowance as a replacement tree.
Source of Funding:
Not applicable.
Recommendation:
That this request for tree removal be denied.
Background:
On August 5, 1998, the Committee of Adjustment heard the application for a proposed
driveway and integral garage for this property. The Committee=s decision was to grant the
application conditional on the revised proposal satisfying the requirements of Forestry
Services with respect to protecting the two City owned Silver Maples.
Comments:
There are two large Silver Maples fronting this property. Both trees are in fair condition.
The tree in question is a 78 cm diameter Silver Maple which is valued at $5,004.34.
Forestry inspected the tree on October 21, 1998 and found that the tree does not qualify for
routine removal.
The applicant points out that removal of the tree would permit construction of a garage and
a straight driveway out to the street. The alternative would be construction of a driveway
between the two existing trees which would damage approximately 25% of the root
systems of both trees and result in a curved and humped driveway. Neither option is good
for the City trees although the trees would survive the second option.
Should Council deny the tree removal request, the applicant will pursue the second option
outlined above installing the driveway between the two trees. In this case the applicant
would be required to post a letter of credit or certified cheque for the tree values, removal
costs and replacements costs. This letter of credit or certified cheque would be held for
three years after completion of construction. If the trees are in fair condition at the end of a
three year period, the monies will be released. However, should the trees require removal
within three years, the City of Toronto will collect, and use the funds to remove and replace
the trees.
Conclusions:
Since the Silver Maple is a large and significant tree on the street and the tree is not
structurally unsound, dead or dying, I recommend that the request for tree removal be
denied.
However, should Toronto Community Council approve tree removal, I recommend that the
applicant pay all costs involved; this includes the tree value of $5,004.34, the removal costs
of $653.27, and the costs to plant a replacement, $475.01, for a total of $6,132.62.
Contact Name: Warren Quan
Email: wquan@city.toronto.on.ca
Tel: 416-392-1940
Fax: 416-392-6657
Joe Halstead
Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
Metro Hall
WQ:WQ
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