Tree Removal - 317 Rhodes Avenue (East Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council refuse to issue a permit for tree removal at 317 Rhodes Avenue.

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (August 24, 1999) from the Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

An application for a permit to remove two trees on private property has been filed by Mr. Fook Kueng Chan, owner of 317 Rhodes Avenue, Toronto, M4L 3A4.

Financial Implication:

N/A

Recommendations:

Either 1, or 2 below

1.refuse to issue a permit for tree removal; 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 and Tourism.

Comments:

The trees in question are thirty-seven and thirty-nine centimetre diameter ash both in fair condition, with no visible signs of disease or structural problems. The applicant and neighbour at 321 Rhodes Avenue are tired of cleaning up the flowers and leaves that fall from the tree and accumulate in their eaves troughs. The applicant does not speak English, and through a City of Toronto translator, has stated that a private tree company advised him that the ash trees were unhealthy. The translator advised the applicant that the trees were healthy according to Forestry staff, and explained that a permit from City Council would be required prior to tree removal. The ash trees provide a green privacy screen between the rear yards on Rhodes and an apartment complex on Coxwell Avenue, and it would be unfortunate if this tree canopy were lost in the community.

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 has been forwarded to the Community Council Secretary for the Community Council to review.

Contact Name:

Andrew Pickett, 392-6644

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The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having also had before it during consideration of the foregoing matter, a communication (September 10, 1999) submitted by Ms. Lynne Lim obo Fook Kung Chan, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.

(A copy of the letter referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of the Toronto Community Council with the agenda for its meeting on September 14, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk).