January 4, 2000
To: Toronto Community Council
From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject: 314/316 Avenue Road - Removal of Private Tree
Midtown
Purpose:
An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property has been filed by Ms. Enza Schembre, Acme
Environmentals Landscape Design Ltd. 274 Unwin Avenue, Toronto, M5A 1A3, agent for the owner's, Ms. Suzanne Craig,
314 Avenue Road, Toronto, M4V 2H3, and Ms. Joyce Craig, 314 Avenue Road, Toronto, M4V 2H3.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) a permit for tree removal be refused; or
(2) a permit for tree removal be issued conditional on the implementation of the landscape plan, prepared by Acme
Environmentals Landscape Design Ltd., dated September 1999, revised October 1, 1999.
Background:
The applicant is proposing to landscape the property including the construction of a swimming pool, that would require the
removal of the tree.
Comments:
The tree in question is a 72 centimetre diameter horse chestnut in fair condition and located at the rear of the property in an
area surrounded by asphalt. The arborist report prepared by the Tree Specialists Inc. that accompanies the application states
that the chestnut tree is in fair to good condition requiring little to no maintenance.
A landscape plan that has been provided with the application indicates that four trees and twenty-six shrubs will be planted
as part of the new design for the property. The trees include three pyramidal English oaks and one American beech. Shrubs
proposed for the property include serviceberry, redbud, witchhazel, nannyberry, dogwood, cedar, rhododendron and
firethorn.
A notice of application sign was posted on the property for the required fourteen 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.
Conclusions:
The horse chestnut tree is a significant specimen in terms of the canopy it provides to the neighbourhood, and it has
adapted well to a harsh growing environment that includes asphalt up to the base of the trees stem. The landscaping
proposed for the property is extensive and to protect the tree during construction would be extremely difficult unless
substantial changes to the proposal are made including abandoning or relocating the swimming pool.
Contact:
Andrew Pickett
Urban Forestry Planner
391-6644 392-1915 (fax)
apickett@toronto.ca
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
