Tree Removals - Extension of the

Light Rapid Transit (LRT) on

Queen's Quay West (Downtown)

The Toronto Community Council submits this matter to Council without recommendation.

The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report directly to Council, after consultation with the Toronto Transit Commission and the Toronto District School Board, on installing landscaping with trees on the south side of Queen's Quay West between Bathurst Street and Portland Street, such landscaping to be done at the expense of the Toronto Transit Commission.

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (June 4, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has begun preparations to extend the Queen's Quay Light Rapid Transit (LRT) from Lower Portland Street west to Bathurst Street. As a result of the TTC's extension of the LRT on Queen's Quay there will be general widening and realignment of the pavement between Queen's Quay West and approximately 120 metres north of Lake Shore Boulevard. As a result, thirty-seven City-owned trees must be permanently removed.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)this report be received for information.

Background:

At its meeting on April 13, 14 and 15, 1999, Council adopted a report produced by the Urban Environment and Development Committee, Report No. 5, Clause No. 3, which was a By-law to further amend the former City of Toronto By-law No. 602-89, being "A By-law to authorize the construction, widening, narrowing, alteration and repair of sidewalks, pavements and curbs at various locations", respecting the alteration of Queen's Quay West by the widening and realignment of the pavement between Queen's Quay West and approximately 120 metres north of Lake Shore Boulevard as part of the Waterfront West LRT extension.

Comments:

By widening the road and realigning the pavement along Queen's Quay West from Lower Portland Street to Bathurst Street, thirty-seven City-owned trees will be permanently removed. As these planting locations will be eliminated, it will not be possible to replant trees in this area. As required by Urban Forestry Services, the Toronto Transit Commission must provide payment to the City in the amount of $17,579.44 to cover the value of the trees in question and the associated removal and replacement costs. A landscape plan from the TTC indicating how the area will be replanted has also been requested.

Conclusion:

The thirty-seven trees along Queen's Quay West and Bathurst Street will be permanently removed and it will not be possible to replant in this area. These trees contributed to the enhancement of the streetscape and the TTC should provide payment of $17,579.44 to the City to compensate for the lost value of the trees and costs associated with their removal and replacement. The recovered funds should be applied towards the cost of new tree plantings and other forestry improvements in the South Toronto and Central/Waterfront community.

Contact Name:

Vicky Jeffery

392-7390