September 3, 1999

To:North York Community Council

From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:Tree Removal Request - 47 Fairmeadow Avenue, Ward 9 North York Centre South

 Purpose:

This report provides information regarding an appeal to the Community Council from the owner of the above address to permit the removal of a City owned 25 cm diameter Colorado Blue Spruce. The removal of the tree has been disallowed by City Forestry staff.

Source of Funds:

Staff and equipment to remove this tree and its stump is $395.00. The City would lose an asset worth $994.00. The total amenity value plus removal costs are $1,389.00.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this request to remove a City tree be refused.

Background:

There is an active Building Permit (B99-2062) at this address. There are a total of three City owned trees on site consisting of the 25 cm diameter Spruce, a 53 cm diameter Austrian Pine and a 70 cm diameter Honey Locust. The trees are currently under the terms of a Tree Protection Agreement with a total amenity value plus removal costs of $13,970.00.

The removal request for the 25 cm diameter Spruce was made to facilitate the installation of a circular driveway with two entrances to the property. As a result of the required minimum tree protection zones of the remaining trees as indicated on Appendix "A", there may not be sufficient space for the installation of the proposed circular driveway.

Mr. Galloro contacted Councillor Flint's office regarding the removal request and it was agreed to refer the issue to Community Council for resolution.

Conclusion:

If City Council permits this tree to be removed, such permission should be on the condition that the resident reimburse the City for its costs to remove the tree, $345.00 and the value of the tree $994.00. These funds will be used to purchase a large replacement tree on city property at this address or in the immediate neighbourhood.

Healthy trees are valuable assets to the quality of life in a community, and all neighbourhood residents have a stake in their preservation. For this reason, the Department can not recommend their removal to accommodate the wishes of individual homeowners, except in situations where no reasonable alternatives can be found. We do not consider this situation to be such a case.

Contact name:

Tony Fleischmann

395-6134

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism