February 2, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
Subject:Request for Removal of Two City Owned Trees - 159 and 161 Beatrice Street
(Ward 20 - Trinity-Niagara)
Purpose:
An application has been received from Ms. Kristen Forsythe, Joseph Messina Designer
Builders, 275 Macpherson Avenue, Suite 100, Toronto, Ontario M4V 1A4 for City Council to
consider removal of two City owned trees. Ms. Forsythe reports that the trees are in direct
conflict with a proposed new driveway and multi-unit condominium complex.
Source of Funding:
Not applicable.
Recommendation:
That this request for tree removal be denied.
Comments:
There are three City trees involved with this project. The plans submitted with this application
indicate that a red maple tree will be protected during the construction work, however forestry
staff have determined that the proposed new multi-unit condominium proposal will negatively
impact this tree. The remaining two trees which are in healthy condition, do not qualify for
removal and are the subject of this application. The two trees in question are a 52 cm diameter
Tree-of-heaven and a 60 cm diameter Silver maple. These trees are in fair condition and have
a combined value of $3,824.23.
The applicant's plans contemplate planting of two replacement trees. However, if the project
were built, the configuration of the proposed driveway and the close proximity of a large red
maple on the City street allowance will not leave sufficient room for any replacement trees.
Conclusions:
Since the silver maple and tree-of-heaven are large and significant trees on the street and the
trees are not structurally unsound, dead or dying and the proposed driveway entrance would
permanently eliminate two planting sites, Forestry recommends that this request for tree
removal be denied. Such a decision would require the applicant to abandon his plans and
design an alternate proposal where existing trees could be protected according to forestry
standards.
However, should Toronto Community Council approve tree removal, I recommend that the
applicant pay all costs involved; this includes the value of the trees $3,824.23, the removal
costs of $1,127.92, and the costs to plant two replacement trees at another location, $950.02,
for a total of $5,902.17. Additionally, the applicant should be required to post a letter of credit
to cover the value, removal and replacement costs of the red maple which would be damaged
by construction. This letter of credit or certified cheque would be held for three years after
completion of construction. If the tree would be in fair condition at the end of a three year
period, the monies would be released. However, should the tree require removal within three
years, the City of Toronto would collect, and use the funds to remove and replace the tree.
Contact Name:
Warren Quan
392-1940
Joe Halstead
Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
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