Tree Removal - 77 Abbott Avenue (Davenport)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council issue a permit for tree removal at 77 Abbott Avenue, conditional on the applicant agreeing to plant a replacement tree to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism and contributing $500.00 to the Urban Forestry Program for the planting of a tree on municipal property in the neighbourhood.

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. Andrew Yates, owner of 77 Abbott Avenue, Toronto, M6P 1H5. The applicant would like to re-landscape the rear yard and is of the opinion the tree has outgrown the property.

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 conditional on the applicant agreeing to plant a replacement tree to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism.

Comments:

The tree in question is a 40 centimetre diameter silver fir in fair condition. The arborist report prepared by Al Miley & Associates, that accompanies the application, states that the fir tree is in fair condition but is a very tall top heavy tree due to past pruning of lower limbs. In the opinion of staff the tree is healthy and viable with a well balanced crown, and there are no safety concerns associated with the tree at this time. The tree is very large and it dominates the rear yard of the property. There are landscaping alternatives that can be implemented to incorporate this majestic tree, and the tree can accommodate pruning of some lower limbs to elevate the crown and allow the owner more use of the rear yard. The silver fir is a rare species in Toronto's Urban Forest, and this specimen is a significant tree in the community worthy of protection.

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, the following communications, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk:

-(October 9, 1999) from Mr. Paul E. Abernethy and Ms. Elizabeth Abernethy

-(October 12, 1999) from Ms. Catherine Yates

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(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 October 12, 1999, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk).