Tree Removal - 42 Balsam Avenue (East Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council issue a permit for tree removal at 42 Balsam Avenue subject to the applicant contributing $500.00 to the Maple Cottage Rejuvenation Project.

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (September 20, 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 Mr. John Van Ekeren, Able Tree Service Inc., 8 Zachary Place, Brooklin, Ontario, L0B 1C0, agent for the owner, Ms. Maria Smith, 42 Balsam Avenue, Toronto, M4E 3B4. The owner is concerned that the tree is too close to the pool and may cause damage.

Financial Implications:

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.

Comments:

The tree in question is a 40 centimetre diameter Norway maple in fair condition. The arborist report prepared by Able Tree Service Inc., that accompanies the application states that the Norway maple is extremely close to the pool and that the roots of the tree may cause damage to the pool. There are several other trees on the property including two oaks and two Norway maples, and there is no suitable location to plant a replacement tree, as stated in the arborist report.

There has been no evidence included with the application indicating that damage has already occurred to the pool as a result of the Norway maple tree which is located approximately one metre from the pool edge. The tree is relatively young and this species will grow much larger. The continued increase in size of this tree combined with the location in relation to the pool may lead to structural damage to the swimming pool in the future.

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. Six written objections were received in response to the application to remove the tree in question. Copies of these letters have been forwarded to the Community Council Secretary for Community Council to review.

Contact Name:

Andrew Pickett, 392-6644

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(A copy of the letters referred to in the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of the Toronto Community Council with the agenda for its meeting on October 12, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk).