Tree Removal from the Municipal Road

Right-of-Way at 77 Finch Avenue West.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (March 31, 1998) from the Interim Functional Lead, Transportation:

Purpose:

To obtain authority to remove one tree from the right-of-way to allow vehicular access to 77 Finch Avenue West.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

None.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that authority be granted for the removal of a Chinese Elm tree from the right-of-way abutting 77 Finch Avenue West, subject to the receipt of the assessed value of the tree, $4,702.00, from the owners.

Council Reference/Background/History:

By-law No. 211-74 requires Council approval for the removal of a tree from the former Metro road rights-of-ways.

Discussion:

A medical office building is being constructed at 77 Finch Avenue West. In order to provide safe access from 77 Finch Avenue West to Finch Avenue West the removal of a Chinese Elm tree is required.

The tree has been valued at $4,702.00 by a certified arborist of Shady Lane Tree Care and Forestry Company Inc. The owners of 77 Finch Avenue West have agreed to pay this amount. These funds will be credited to the tree replacement account to fund the planting of trees at various locations on the City rights-of-way.

Conclusions:

A Chinese Elm tree should be removed from the road right-of-way to allow safe vehicular access to Finch Avenue West.

Contact Name:

Mr. Keeva G. Lane, Supervisor, Road Allowance Control, Transportation, 392-9312, Fax 392-9317, E-mail address: keeva_lane.metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee submits the following communication (April 20, 1998) from Councillor Norman Gardner, North York Centre:

In regard to Item No. (26) - Tree Removal from Municipal Right-of-Way at 77 Finch Avenue West, I wish to inform you that the 1997 North York Council voted unanimously for this application.

My predecessor, the former councillor Ron Summers, was supportive of the application.

I fully endorse the removal of the tree according to the staff recommendations.

Finch Avenue is a highly travelled area and it is imperative to recognize that access and egress is made as safe as possible for those travelling in the area.

A chronology of events is as follows: -From May to July 1997, North York Council had four opportunities to consider the proposal and at all times recommended approval.

-A public meeting was held. Site plan and by-laws were approved with full support of staff and no objections or appeals were made.

-The present 1-1/2 storey structures are approximately 1,200-1,500 square feet in size.

-The existing tree on the Finch Avenue right-of-way has been shown as being removed on the site plan, leaving two other trees untouched.

-The applicant is adhering to the streetscape requirement of the Transportation Departments of Metro and North York.

-The driveway configuration requiring the removal of the tree is following staff recommendations as to where the driveway should be.

I would appreciate your supporting the staff recommendation on this matter.

Attached are copies of relevant information regarding the recommendation.

(A copy of the attachments to the foregoing communication dated April 20, 1998, from Councillor Norm Gardner, North York Centre, is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)