198 WINNETT AVENUE - REQUEST FOR CITY TREE REMOVAL

Ward 28 York Eglinton

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

(September 24, 1999)

Purpose:

Staff were asked to report on Councillor Mihevc's request to have the City owned Norway spruce tree fronting 198 Winnett Avenue removed and replaced.

Source of Funds:

To be funded out of the Urban Forestry operating budget.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the City tree fronting 198 Winnett Avenue be removed as it is in a state of significant and irreversible decline and that a replacement tree be planted in the spring of the year 2000.

Council Reference/Background/History:

York Community Council had before it on September 14, 1999 a letter from Councillor Mihevc requesting its support to have the City tree removed. York Community Council requested that staff submit a report on the status of the tree.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

The City owned, 30 cm diameter, Norway spruce is located on the mutual property line between 198 and 200 Winnett Avenue. As it is in a state of advanced and irreversible decline, it qualifies for removal under the York tree by-law. The property of owners of 198 and 200 Winnett Avenue are agreeable to having the Norway spruce removed and a replacement tree planted.

Conclusions:

The Norway spruce tree should be removed and a replacement tree planted.

Contact Name:

Dean Hart

394-8549

BRIEFING NOTES

-198 Winnett Avenue - Tree Removal Request

-tree qualifies for routine removal, property owners are agreeable to removal and replacement planting

-costs are part of operating budget

-the tree involved was recommended for removal a few years ago. A neighbour objected, Councillor Mihevc supported the neighbour and the tree was retained. Councillor Mihevc made a verbal request on behalf of the owner in March of 1999 to have the tree removed, which the Urban Forestry Inspector declined (likely due to the history).