August 24, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:24 Hawarden Crescent, Removal of Private Tree - Ward 23 Midtown
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property has been filed by the property owner, Mrs. Sandra
Walfish, 24 Hawarden Crescent, Toronto, M5P 1M7. Roots are apparently lifting a driveway and damaging the house
foundation.
Financial Implication:
N/A
Recommendations:
Either 1, or 2 below
- refuse to issue a permit for tree removal; or
- issue a permit for tree removal conditional on the planting of replacement trees to the satisfaction of the
Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.
Comments:
The tree in question is a fifty centimetre diameter blue spruce in good condition. The tree is located approximately six
metres from the foundation of the house and no evidence has been provided with the application to indicate that there is
any foundation damage. Any foundation repairs required could be performed by trenching at the foundation and pruning
any roots encountered. The interlock driveway has not been impacted by the spruce tree's roots. Some visible sinking of
the pavers was noticed and can be attributed to the compaction resulting from the weight of the automobile that drives and
parks on the driveway. The landscape contractor has indicated that he cannot grow grass under the spruce tree, and that it
interferes with two maple trees. There are numerous landscape alternatives that can incorporate a spruce tree. The
competition between the spruce and Norway maples for light and space is not unique, but rather a natural process when
two or more trees are in fairly close proximity to one another. In the opinion of staff, the blue spruce tree is a healthy viable
specimen worthy of protection under the private tree by-law. A landscape plan was requested by staff but has not been
provided as yet.
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
