Tree Removal - 63 Wolfrey Avenue (Don River)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council issue a permit for tree removal at 63 Wolfrey Avenue, conditional on the applicant agreeing to plant a replacement tree to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.

he Toronto Community Council submits the following report (November 23, 1998) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property that has caused concern due to falling fruit has been filed by Mr. Don Finlayson & Ms. Sue Konynenburg, 63 Wolfrey Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4K 1K9, owner's of 63 Wolfrey Avenue

Financial Implications:

N/A

Recommendations:

Either 1, or 2 below

(1)refuse to issue a permit to remove the tree; 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 & Tourism.

Comments:

The tree in question is a forty-five centimetre diameter black walnut in fair condition. The black walnut tree is native to Southern Ontario and a significant species in Toronto's urban forest. The fruit of the black walnut can reach the size of a tennis ball and may be an inconvenience when it falls from the branches in the late summer. The property in question is well treed with mature Norway maples and the applicant would like to plant a Japanese maple and a lilac as replacement if a permit for removal of the black walnut is granted. The applicant has stated that the fruit from the walnut tree has stained the boards of a newly rebuilt deck. The staining of the newly treated deck boards could also be attributed to a large Norway maple that overhangs the deck and to other wind borne debris from neighbourhood trees.

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 along with two letters in support of the application for tree removal has been forwarded to the Community Council Secretary for the Community Council to review.

Contact Name:

Andrew Pickett

(416) 392-6644

(A copy of letters in support and opposition, referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of the Toronto Community Council with the agenda for its meeting on March 30, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk).