Preservation of Significant Red Oak on Romac Drive Extension

Ward 16 - Scarborough Highland Creek

The Scarborough Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (March 2, 1998) from the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Scarborough:

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to seek Scarborough Community Council endorsement to proceed with efforts to preserve a significant Red Oak (Quercus rubra) in the Romac Drive Extension (Residential Subdivision No. T96002) road allowance. This Red Oak is one of the most significant and mature trees in Scarborough and adds considerably to the beauty and character of the area. It is situated in the middle of the proposed Romac Drive Extension and its preservation has been the subject of considerable study. The constraints of protecting the tree include increased costs of servicing the site and the long-term viability of the tree.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The estimated cost of servicing the site in a manner to preserve the Red Oak is $110,000.00. Funding for the preservation of the Red Oak in Residential Subdivision No. T96002, is available from the Tree Reserve Fund, Account No. 71691.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) Council approve the plan to preserve the Red Oak (Quercus rubra) on the Romac Drive Extension and authorize the expenditure of the necessary funding, from Tree Reserve Fund Account No. 71691; and

(2) that appropriate City staff be authorized to take the necessary action to proceed with the recommended preservation plan.

Background:

On April 29, 1997, Planning and Buildings received a draft plan of approval from Council for a subdivision (Draft Plan of Subdivision Application No. T96002) which will extend Romac Drive in the Highland Creek Community of Scarborough. The plan of subdivision creates 18 single family lots.

A preliminary tree preservation plan was developed, however, Parks and Recreation found it to be incomplete as it had not considered adequate tree preservation. During the plan review process, a tree preservation plan was resubmitted which recommended the preservation of approximately 35 trees of the 144 identified on the site.

The most significant of these is a four-stemmed, Red Oak (Quercus rubra, approximately 1000 millimetre caliper), originally identified for removal. The tree is recognized as one of the largest, most mature Red Oaks in Scarborough, however it is also located in the middle of the proposed extension of Romac Drive. The remaining trees identified in the tree preservation plan are to be preserved as part of the subdivision.

In discussion with the City staff prior to August 11, 1997, when By-Law Number 25150 had been implemented, it was recognized and confirmed in writing that the applicant had received the building permit before that date and had been legally in a position to remove the tree.

An arborist was retained by the applicant to develop a viable preservation plan for the oak. The arborist made several recommendations for the preservation of the tree, including no excavation in the dripline (a 15 metre radius dripline), the maintenance of all existing topsoil within the road allowance and the curb and gutter system is to be located no closer than three metres from the base of the tree.

In order to preserve the tree, a raised island must be incorporated in the road design. The engineering firm retained by the applicant prepared a total estimated construction cost of $110,000.00 for the road design and implementing the preservation plan. The cost estimate includes the construction of a toe wall on the south side of the tree preservation zone. This cost can be reduced if Parks and Recreation constructs the wall. This cost estimate includes only the engineering costs associated with servicing the site and does not include any of the necessary arboricultural maintenance such as fertilization, pruning, cabling or on-going maintenance.

Servicing is possible despite the preservation requirements of the tree. The use of alternative technology for excavation in the dripline would protect the oak and allow for servicing of individual lots.

Justification:

Due to the significance of the Red Oak in the community of Scarborough, the preservation is justified. Funds are available in the Tree Reserve Fund, Account No. 71691 and the tree's protection will add character and aesthetics to the subdivision.

The projected cost of preservation of this tree has been scrutinized by Works and Environment Department staff and Public Utilities Commission staff and assessed as realistic.

Conclusions:

Site servicing for the proposed development should be carried out in a manner that will preserve the Red Oak. The significant size and excellent condition of this tree is worth the effort in conservation and preservation. The tree would become the responsibility of the City, if preservation were achieved, and all maintenance would ultimately be carried out by Parks and Recreation Forestry Services.

Contact Name:

Tom Tusek, Director

Parks, Planning and Urban Forestry

Telephone: 396-7377

Facsimile: 396-5399

E-Mail: tusek@ city.scarborough.on.ca