April 12, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:191 Forest Hill Road - Municipal Code, Chapter 331, Article III, Trees
Ward 23 - Midtown
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property due to its large size and
proximity to the house has been filed by Ms. Patricia Thomson, Thomson, Bruce and
Associates, P.O. Box 27093, 500 Rexdale Boulevard, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9W 6L0, agent
for the owner of 191 Forest Hill Road, Mr. Richard Ian Farb, 191 Forest Hill Road, Toronto,
Ontario, M5P 2N3.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Recommendations:
Either 1, or 2 below
- refuse to issue a permit for tree removal; or
- issue a permit for tree removal.
Comments:
The tree in question is a forty-five centimetre diameter blue spruce in fair condition. The
arborist report prepared by Thomson, Bruce and Associates that accompanies the application
states that the tree is in fair health. The report states that the tree's large size, proximity to the
house and the fact that the sight line to the front windows is obstructed are the reasons for
requesting tree removal. The report indicates that the spruce is competing with a City owned
linden tree and that branch dieback will soon occur due to the competition for sunlight.
In the opinion of Forestry staff, the spruce tree could be pruned to elevate the crown
somewhat more than it already is and thus open the sight line to the front windows. The
information included in the application did not contain documentation that the spruce tree is
causing damage to the house as a result of its location. The matter of the spruce and linden
competing for light and space on a small front lawn is not unique, but rather a natural process
when two or more trees are in fairly close proximity to one another. If the spruce tree is
approved for removal, there is no suitable location on the property that could accommodate
replacement planting.
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
tree in question.
Contact Name:
Andrew Pickett
392-6644
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture & Tourism
