September 20, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:311 Bain Avenue - Removal of Private Trees, Ward 25 - Don River
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove two trees on private property has been filed by Mr Peter Kelly, Kelly's Tree Care, 12
Old Kingston Road, Scarborough, M1E 3J5, agent for the owner Ms. B. Crowe, 311 Bain Avenue, Toronto, M4J 1B9. The
owner is concerned that the trees may cause damage to the property.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Recommendations:
Either 1, 2 or 3 below
- refuse to issue a permit for the Manitoba maple in the front yard and issue a permit for the Manitoba maple in the rear
yard; or
- refuse to issue a permit for removal of both Manitoba maples; or
- issue a permit for the removal of both Manitoba maples conditional on the applicant paying the costs to plant a
replacement tree at the front of the house on City property.
Comments:
The trees in question include a 51 centimetre diameter Manitoba maple at the front of the property and a 33 centimetre
diameter Manitoba maple at the rear of the property. Both trees are in fair condition. The arborist report prepared by
Kelly's Tree Care that accompanies the application, states that the 51 centimetre diameter Manitoba maple is a twin
stemmed specimen with significant included bark in the lower trunk area. The report states that the trunk integrity and
canopy structure are poor, the canopy vigour is good and that the tree grows on a significant angle and overhangs hydro
wires. Kelly's report states that the 33 centimetre diameter Manitoba maple at the rear of the property has been pruned
poorly in the past using spurs and that the tree is unbalanced as a result of competition for sunlight.
In the opinion of staff, the removal of the 33 centimetre diameter Manitoba maple would not impact the tree canopy in the
neighbourhood and would be acceptable. The larger Manitoba maple in the front yard is growing close to the house, but no
evidence of structural damage has been included with the application. This tree should be maintained and pruned to
provide clearance from the hydro service and to reduce the weight of the crown. The weight reduction will decrease the
stress on the main union of the two stems and reduce the possibility of failure at this point.
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. 2 written objections were received in response
to the application to remove the trees in question. Copies of these letters 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
