August 24, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:478 Roncesvalles Avenue, Removal of Private Tree - Ward 19 High Park
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property in order to construct a replacement addition at the rear
of the property has been filed by the owner of 478 Roncesvalles Avenue, Mr. Ghazi Salti, 2749 Hammond Road,
Mississauga, Ontario, L5K 2M3.
Financial Implication:
N/A
Recommendations:
Either 1, or 2 below
- issue a permit for tree removal; or
- refuse to issue a permit for tree removal requiring the applicant to redesign the rear addition to accommodate the tree.
Comments:
The tree in question is a forty-five centimetre diameter Tree of Heaven in fair condition. The tree is located adjacent to the
rear of the building and in the opinion of staff, is causing or is likely to cause structural damage to a load bearing structure.
The applicant was advised by staff, on April 13, 1999, that the Tree of Heaven met the criteria for an exemption under the
private tree by-law, and that a permit to remove the tree was not required. The Department has since received fourteen
letters opposing the removal of the tree. At the request of Councillor Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, this report was prepared
and the applicant was advised not to remove the tree until the issue could be discussed at Toronto Community Council.
The applicant was served with an "Order to Comply", from the Urban Planning and Development Services Department.
The order indicated that at the rear of the property, the structural wood members of the existing three storey enclosed porch
have deteriorated and do not provide adequate support. The applicant was required to obtain the services of a professional
engineer to review the site conditions and recommend the necessary remedial action required to eliminate all unsafe
conditions. The applicant was also required to submit plans and obtain a permit to repair, demolish or rebuild this structure.
Staff from our Department are concerned that the construction required to rebuild the addition will significantly impact the
health of the tree and may destabilize it. The Tree of Heaven is a fast growing weak wooded species. This particular
specimen is located in a poor growing environment adjacent to the building, and has the potential to cause damage to the
property.
The fourteen letters opposed to the removal of the Tree of Heaven 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
