Tree Removal - 18 Foxbar Road (Midtown)
The Toronto Community Council recommends that:
(1)the request to remove one City-owned tree at 18 Foxbar Road be denied; and
(2)the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and/or the
Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services be directed to refuse any application
to construct a driveway between the two existing city trees.
The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (October 22, 1998) from
the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism:
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