Tree Removal - 492 Eglinton Avenue East (North Toronto - Ward 22)

The Toronto Community Council recommends

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (January 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

An application for a permit to remove three trees on private property that cause concern due to:

(i)tree branches interfering with the roof of the house; and

(ii)damage to the garage floor by the roots.

The application has been filed by Ms. Raluca Maruntselu, 110 Erskine Avenue, #1402, Toronto, Ontario, M2J 5B9, owner of 492 Eglinton Avenue East. The application has been authorized by Mr.M. Sargeant, 494 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 1N4.

Financial Implications:

N/A

Recommendations:

Either 1, or 2 below

(1)refuse to issue a permit for tree removal; or

(2)issue a permit for tree removal conditional on:

(i)the trees in question not being removed until permitted construction and/or demolition related activities in accordance with plans approved under the building permit application for the subject project commence which warrant the destruction of the trees; and

(ii)the applicant agreeing to plant a replacement tree to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture & Tourism.

Comments:

The trees in question are a thirty-four centimetre diameter elm and two Norway maples with diameters of forty-seven and forty-eight centimetres. The three trees are in fair condition and their combined canopy provides a visual screen as well as environmental benefits to the community. The trees are located at the rear of the property in close proximity to an existing shed/garage. The concrete floor of this structure has been cracked and broken up possibly as a result of tree roots. If the proposed replacement garage is to be constructed on the same footprint as the existing garage the trees will not be significantly impacted by the construction and their removal will not be required. If the trees do remain, there is the potential that further cracking and heaving to a new garage floor could result due to the expansion of roots. The three trees in question would have to be removed if the applicant is proposing to construct a larger structure to replace the existing garage. The trees can be pruned to eliminate the problem of branches interfering with the roof of the house. The applicant has indicated that a replacement linden tree would be planted near the northwest corner of the property if a permit is issued for the removal of the three trees in question.

A notice of application sign was posted on the property for the required 14 day posting period, in order to notify the neighbourhood and provide an opportunity for objection to the application. No written objections were received in response to the application to remove the trees in question.

Contact Name:

Andrew Pickett

Telephone:(416) 392-6644

Facsimile:(416) 392-6657

e-mail:apickett@toronto.ca