October 18, 1999

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject: 181A Major Street - Request to Remove City-owned Tree

Downtown

Purpose:

An application has been received from Ms. Julia Moulden and Mr. David Dunne, 181A Major Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2L4, for City Council to consider the removal of one City-owned tree located at the above noted address. The applicant is interested in landscaping the property and wishes to have the city tree removed and replaced with a more desirable species.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the request for removal of this City-owned tree be denied; and

(2) the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Comments:

The tree in question is a fourteen centimetre diameter Colorado Blue Spruce in good condition, in a healthy and vigorous state of growth, valued at $565.14 and does not qualify for removal at this time. The cost to remove the tree and to plant a replacement tree is $565.15, for a total of $1130.28. If Council should approve tree removal, contrary to the recommendation in this report, it should be conditional on the applicant paying all costs involved, as noted above.

Conclusions:

The City-owned Spruce does not qualify for routine removal at this time. Since it would be necessary to remove a healthy tree, which is in a healthy and vigorous state of growth, this Department is opposed to removal of this tree.

Contact:

Vicky Jeffery

Phone: 392-7390

Fax: 392-7281

Email: vjeffery@toronto.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism