Tree Removal - 24 Hawarden Crescent (Midtown)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that:

(1)City Council issue a permit for tree removal at 24 Hawarden Crescent, conditional on the planting of replacement trees of one or more large shade species to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism; and

(2)if the planting of a second large shade tree is not possible, the applicant make a contribution of $500.00 to the Urban Forestry Program for the planting of a tree on municipal property in the neighbourhood.

The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having requested the applicant to submit a landscape plan and having requested the City Forester to report thereon directly to Council.

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 one tree on private property has been filed by the property owner, Mrs. Sandra Walfish, 24 Hawarden Crescent, Toronto, M5P 1M7. Roots are apparently lifting a driveway and damaging the house foundation.

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 planting of replacement trees to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.

Comments:

The tree in question is a fifty centimetre diameter blue spruce in good condition. The tree is located approximately six metres from the foundation of the house and no evidence has been provided with the application to indicate that there is any foundation damage. Any foundation repairs required could be performed by trenching at the foundation and pruning any roots encountered. The interlock driveway has not been impacted by the spruce tree's roots. Some visible sinking of the pavers was noticed and can be attributed to the compaction resulting from the weight of the automobile that drives and parks on the driveway. The landscape contractor has indicated that he cannot grow grass under the spruce tree, and that it interferes with two maple trees. There are numerous landscape alternatives that can incorporate a spruce tree. The competition between the spruce and Norway maples for light and space is not unique, but rather a natural process when two or more trees are in fairly close proximity to one another. In the opinion of staff, the blue spruce tree is a healthy viable specimen worthy of protection under the private tree by-law. A landscape plan was requested by staff but has not been provided as yet.

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. No written objections were received in response to the application to remove the tree in question.

Contact Name:

Andrew Pickett, 392-6644

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The following persons appeared before the Toronto Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Dr. Paul Walfish, Toronto, Ontario; and

-Ms. Sandra Walfish, Toronto, Ontario.