June 4, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:10 Shornecliffe Avenue, Removal Of Three Private Trees - Ward 23 Midtown
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove three trees on private property, to allow for the construction of a new home including
new landscaping has been filed by the owners of 10 Shornecliffe Avenue, David and Rose Mongeau, 64 Oatland Crescent,
Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4C 9P2.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
- issue a permit for tree removal conditional on:
- 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
- the applicant agreeing to plant replacement trees to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic
Development, Culture and Tourism; OR
- refuse to issue a permit for tree removal, requiring the applicant to incorporate the trees into the plans for the new house
and landscape.
Comments:
The trees in question include a ninety centimetre diameter Norway maple, an eighty centimetre diameter horse chestnut and
a forty centimetre diameter apple tree. The arborist report, prepared by Wood-Gaines Tree Service, that accompanies the
application, states that the Norway maple is past maturity and exhibits signs of verticillium wilt, (a fungus affecting maple
trees), and recommends removal. The report states that the horse chestnut is exhibiting branch dieback and appears to be in
a state of decline, but it could be retained if necessary. The apple tree has been previously topped and is a high maintenance
species, in terms of spraying, pruning and cleanup of fruit, according to the Wood-Gaines report, and it recommends
removal as the tree is in conflict with the proposed new house.
The applicant is proposing to replace the Norway maple with three Serbian spruce trees. The replacement proposed for the
horse chestnut will be an ornamental pear tree or an ivory silk lilac, seven metres in height when planted. A large
deciduous tree will be planted to replace the apple; the species will be finalized at a later date.
In the opinion of staff, the removal of the three trees conditional on replacement planting is an acceptable option. The
Norway maple has reached maturity, has poor form and is in declining health. The horse chestnut has decay in the main
union and since it is surrounded by asphalt and close to the nearby homes, its' removal is a valid consideration. The apple
tree has never been maintained properly and the tree canopy in the neighborhood would benefit if a large growing shade
tree were planted as replacement.
A notice of application sign was posted on the property for the required 14 day posting period, in order to notify the
neighborhood and provide an opportunity for objection to the application for removal and injury of the private trees. Four
written objections were received in response to the application to remove the trees in question. Copies of these letters have
been forwarded to the Community Council Secretary for the Community Council to review.
Contact Name:
Andrew Pickett
392-6644
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
