August 24, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:317 Rhodes Avenue, Removal of Private Trees - Ward 26 East Toronto
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove two trees on private property has been filed by Mr. Fook Kueng Chan, owner of 317
Rhodes Avenue, Toronto, M4L 3A4.
Financial Implication:
N/A
Recommendations:
Either 1, or 2 below
1.refuse to issue a permit for tree removal; or
2.issue a permit for tree removal conditional on the applicant agreeing to plant a replacement tree to the satisfaction of
the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.
Comments:
The trees in question are thirty-seven and thirty-nine centimetre diameter ash both in fair condition, with no visible signs of
disease or structural problems. The applicant and neighbour at 321 Rhodes Avenue are tired of cleaning up the flowers and
leaves that fall from the tree and accumulate in their eaves troughs. The applicant does not speak English, and through a
City of Toronto translator, has stated that a private tree company advised him that the ash trees were unhealthy. The
translator advised the applicant that the trees were healthy according to Forestry staff, and explained that a permit from
City Council would be required prior to tree removal. The ash trees provide a green privacy screen between the rear yards
on Rhodes and an apartment complex on Coxwell Avenue, and it would be unfortunate if this tree canopy were lost in the
community.
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
