August 24, 1999

To:Toronto Community Council

From:Joe Halstead Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:378 Russell Hill Road, Toronto, Removal of Private Tree - Ward 23 Midtown

Purpose:

An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property to allow for construction of a driveway has been filed by Mr. Egils J. Didrichsons, Curr Didrichsons Designs Limited, 44 Banff Road, Toronto, M4S 2V5, agent for the owner of 378 Russell Hill Road, Ms. Karen Applebaum, 1 Graywood Avenue, Thornhill, Ontario, L4S 7W4.

Financial Implication:

N/A

Recommendations:

Either 1, or 2 below

1. 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 property commence which warrant the destruction of the tree; and

ii) the applicant planting replacement trees to the satisfaction of the community and approved by the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture & Tourism; or

2. refuse to issue a permit for tree removal requiring the applicant to redesign plans for the driveway construction.

Comments:

At its meeting held on March 2, 3 and 4, 1999, the Council of the City of Toronto gave consideration to Clause No. 12 contained in report No. 4 of the Toronto Community Council. Council adopted the Clause without amendment, and by so doing, refused to issue a permit for tree removal at 378 Russell Hill Road, requiring the applicant to redesign plans for the driveway and garage construction. The applicant has submitted a new application requesting permission to remove one tree instead of the three trees that made up the previous application.

The tree in question is an eighty-six centimetre diameter Manitoba maple in fair condition. The Manitoba maple is located on the south property line and its removal is required to facilitate the construction of the proposed new driveway. Five written objections were received in response to the first application, that involved the Manitoba maple and two poplar trees. The new application includes letters from three of the five objectors and one from an additional neighbour. These letters state that they are not opposed to the removal of the Manitoba maple and that their main concern was that the poplar trees not be removed. A letter opposing the removal of the Manitoba maple has also been received. The applicant has redesigned the location of the garage so that the poplar trees will not be impacted by the construction.

The property owner has retained the agent mentioned above to prepare and implement a landscape plan. The landscape plan on file with Forestry Services, dated June 24, 1999, shows the planting of several indigenous trees, shrubs and ground covers. The removal of the Manitoba maple conditional on the implementation of the landscape plan is an acceptable option in the opinion of Urban Forestry staff.

Contact Name:

Andrew Pickett

392-6644

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism