STAFF REPORT

December 28, 1999

To: North York Community Council

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject: Tree Removal Request - 22 Dunsmore Gardens

North York Spadina

Purpose:

This report provides information regarding an appeal to the Community Council from the owner of the above noted address to permit the removal of two City owned Silver Maple street trees situated on the City portion of the front lawn. The trees are in good condition and are 44 cm and 69 cm in diamter. City Forestry staff have disallowed the removal of the trees.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Staff and equipment costs to remove these trees and their stumps is $2,432.00. The amenity value of the trees is $7,222.00. The value plus removal costs total $9,654.00.

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) this request to remove the City trees be denied.

Background:

A request for the removal of the two Silver Maple trees was received from the property owner for the installation of a new driveway.

Comments:

The trees are in good condition and do not meet the criteria for tree removal. Healthy trees are valuable assets to the quality of life in a community, and all neighbourhood residents have a stake in their preservation. For this reason, the Department can not recommend their removal to accommodate the wishes of individual homeowners, except in situations where no reasonable alternatives can be found. We do not consider this situation to be such a case.

Conclusion:

If Council permits these trees to be removed, such permission should be conditional on the applicant paying the tree amenity value, $7,222.00 and the tree removal costs of $2,432.00 for a total of $9,654.00.

Contact:

Tony Fleischmann

Supervisor, Urban Forestry

Planning and Protection

Tel: 395-6134

Fax: 395-7886

e-mail: afleisch@city.north-york.on.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism