August 24, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:1309 Queen Street East - Removal of Private Tree, Ward 26 East Toronto
Purpose:
An application has been filed under the provisions of City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 331, Trees, Article III, for a
permit to remove one tree situated on private property in connection with a development proposal for 1307 and 1309
Queen Street East. The permit application has been filed by the owner of 1307 and 1309 Queen Street East, Ms. Nancy R.
Hawley, East End Developments Ltd., 80 Richmond Street West, Suite 601, Toronto, Ontario, M5M 2A4.
Financial Implication:
N/A
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the issuance of a permit to remove the subject tree be denied.
Background:
This request for tree removal has been received in connection with Site Plan Approval Application No. 399027 which is a
proposal to construct ten row houses on 1307 and 1309 Queen Street East. The proposed development precludes the
retention of the tree in question given the size and scale of the development.
On June 4, 1999 the Committee of Adjustment granted conditional approval for an application for severance and variances
which was before the Committee in connection with the development proposal in question. In reviewing the Committee's
decision, it appears that the Committee of Adjustment was not aware of the issue of the tree which is the subject of this
report. The Committee of Adjustment's decision for conditional approval was appealed to Ontario Municipal Board by a
neighbouring property owner and a hearing date for the Board has been set for September 14, 1999.
Comments:
We are in receipt of a request from Ms. Nancy R. Hawley, East End Developments Ltd., 80 Richmond Street West, Suite
601, Toronto, Ontario, M5M 2A4, the owner of 1307 and 1309 Queen Street East, that the City consider the removal of
one tree situated on the private property of 1309 Queen Street East. The subject tree is situated at the rear of the detached
house at 1309 Queen Street East, in close proximity to the property line of 1307 Queen Street East
The tree in question is a sixty-two (62) centimetre diameter Horse Chestnut in good condition. This tree has been open
grown for numerous years and in turn has a well developed crown and would have an extensive root system given that the
tree is surrounded by turf. The tree has a very large, healthy crown which is visible from various vantage points in the local
neighbourhood including the adjacent 'Maple Leaf Forever' City park and the historically significant 'Maple Cottage'. The
immediate surrounding area of this neighbourhood in which this tree is situated is not very well treed and as such, this tree
is a significant and valuable resource to the community.
Historically and culturally, the Horse Chestnut tree is an important tree to Toronto neighbourhoods given that it was
commonly planted throughout the City in the mid to late 1800's and early 1900's. Those Horse Chestnut trees which are
removed are rarely replaced with the same tree species.
The development proposal to construct ten row houses on the subject properties indicates that the majority of the lot area
would be occupied by the built form of the houses and the limited greenspace proposed does not permit the planting of
large growing shade tree species.
As required under Section 331-13.B. of Municipal Code Chapter 331, Article III, a 'Notice' of application sign was posted
on the subject property for the required minimum 14 day posting period, in order to notify the neighbourhood and provide
an opportunity for objection to the application. One written objection in the form of a petition with twenty-seven (27)
signatures was received in response to the application to remove the tree in question. A copy of this letter has been
forwarded to the Community Council Secretary for review by Toronto Community Council.
Contact Name:
Gary R. Le Blanc
392-0494
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
