September 20, 1999
To:Toronto Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:42 Balsam Avenue- Removal of Private Tree, Ward 26 - East Toronto
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property has been filed by Mr. John Van Ekeren, Able Tree
Service Inc., 8 Zachary Place, Brooklin, Ontario, L0B 1C0, agent for the owner, Ms. Maria Smith, 42 Balsam Avenue,
Toronto, M4E 3B4. The owner is concerned that the tree is too close to the pool and may cause damage.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Recommendations:
Either 1, or 2 below
- refuse to issue a permit for tree removal; or
- issue a permit for tree removal.
Comments:
The tree in question is a 40 centimetre diameter Norway maple in fair condition. The arborist report prepared by Able Tree
Service Inc., that accompanies the application states that the Norway maple is extremely close to the pool and that the roots
of the tree may cause damage to the pool. There are several other trees on the property including two oaks and two Norway
maples, and there is no suitable location to plant a replacement tree, as stated in the arborist report.
There has been no evidence included with the application indicating that damage has already occurred to the pool as a
result of the Norway maple tree which is located approximately one metre from the pool edge. The tree is relatively young
and this species will grow much larger. The continued increase in size of this tree combined with the location in relation to
the pool may lead to structural damage to the swimming pool in the future.
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. Six written objections were received in
response to the application to remove the tree in question. Copies of these letters have been forwarded to the Community
Council Secretary for Community Council to review.
Contact Name:
Andrew Pickett
392-6644
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
