STAFF REPORT
December 28, 1999
To: North York Community Council
From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject: Tree Removal Request - 164 Owen Boulevard
North York Centre South
Purpose:
This report provides information regarding an appeal to the Community Council from the owner of the above address to
permit the removal of two City owned White Birch street trees at 26 and 36 cm in diamter from the lawn in front of their
house. City Forestry staff have disallowed the removal of the trees.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Staff and equipment to remove these trees and their stumps is $871.00. The amenity value of the trees is $2,452.00. The
value plus removal costs total $3,323.00.
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 refused.
Background:
A written request for the removal of the two Birch trees was received from Brian Hands of Hands On Landscape Design
and Contracting who is representing the owner of the property. There is currently an active Building Application, #102396,
for the demolition of the existing house and the construction of a new single family dwelling, as well as,a signed Tree
Protection Agreement dated November 2, 1999.
Comments:
The trees are currently in good condition and coping well. 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.
Conclusions:
If Council permits these trees to be removed, such permission should be on the condition that the resident reimburse the
City for its costs to remove the trees, $871.00 and the amenity value of the trees $2,452.00 for a total cost of $3,323.00.
Contact:
Tony Fleischmann
Supervisor, Urban Forestry
Planning and Protection
395-6134
Fax: 395-7886
e-mail: afleisch@city.north-york.on.ca
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
