15 Risdon Court - Blockage of Sewer Pipe by City Tree
(Markland-Centennial)
The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (June22,1999) from the
Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:
Purpose:
Staff has been requested to report on the property owner's request to have the City tree fronting 15RisdonCourt removed as
a permanent solution to tree roots blocking his sewer.
Source of Funds:
A maximum of $1500.00 for drain replacement under the City's new Drain Grant Program, which is a cost sharing
program.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)no City trees are removed related to this request;
(2)the property owner pursue replacement of the sewer as the preferable long term solution to roots blocking the sewer;
and
(3)the property owner contact Mr. Bruce Grainger at 394-8454 if he wishes to pursue funding under the City's Drain
Grant Program.
Council Reference/Background/History:
A letter to Etobicoke Community Council from Mr. W. Stevenson, of 15 Risdon Court, dated May3,1999 requesting a
long-term solution to tree roots clogging his sewer.
Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:
Tree roots are usually found in the top 30 cm of soil, well clear of sewer lines. However, moisture leaking from a broken
sewer may attract tree roots and cause a blockage.
Two City-owned, 16 metre tall, Norway maple trees are located in close proximity to the sanitary clean out for 15 Risdon
Court. One tree fronts 15 Risdon Court and the other fronts number 17. Staff inspected these trees on May 20, 1999. Both
trees are in good condition and do not merit removal. Mr. Stevenson advised staff that he did not necessarily want trees
removed, but rather a long-term solution to the repeating sewer blockage problem.
Tree roots blocking broken sewer lines are a common problem throughout the City.
Conclusions:
Qualifying City trees for removal on the basis of their roots blocking sewer lines, will set a precedent which will qualify
thousands of trees for removal.
Sewer replacement provides a long-term solution that permits retention of trees.
Contact Name:
Dean Hart, Manager of Technical Services & Urban Forestry, West District
(416) 394-8549
(A copy of the communication from Mr. W. Stevenson, referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members
of Council with the agenda for the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of July 15, 1999, and a copy is on file in the
office of the City Clerk.)
_____
Mr. and Mrs. W. Stevenson appeared before the Etobicoke Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter.
