August 24, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:256 MacDonell Avenue, Removal of Private Tree - Ward 19 High Park
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property has been filed by the property owner, Mr. Pravin Patel,
256 MacDonell Avenue, Toronto, M6R 2B1. The applicant is proposing to build an addition at the front of the house, and
the tree is in the footprint of the proposed addition.
Financial Implication:
N/A
Recommendations:
Either 1, or 2 below
- refuse to issue a permit for tree removal, requiring the applicant to redesign the addition to incorporate the tree;
or
- issue a permit for tree removal conditional on: i) the tree 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 tree, and ii) the applicant
agreeing to plant a replacement tree to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture
and Tourism.
Comments:
The tree in question is a thirty-two centimetre diameter multiple-stem red oak in fair condition. The oak tree is located at
the front of the property. The Committee of Adjustment has granted the variances required for the construction of a
two-storey addition at the front of the house. The red oak is a significant shade tree, indigenous to Toronto. In the opinion
of forestry staff the applicant should work with an architect and a qualified tree expert to design an addition that will allow
for the protection of this significant tree.
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. One written objection 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 the Community Council to review.
Contact Name:
Andrew Pickett
392-6644
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
