STAFF REPORT

January 25, 2000

To: Toronto Community Council

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

Subject: Application for a Boulevard Café - 1150 Queen Street West, Beaconsfield Avenue Flank - Report on condition of City owned trees as requested

Trinity Niagara

Purpose:

At its meeting on December 2, 1999 Toronto Community Council had before it a report (November 16, 1999) from the Right of Way Management, Transportation Services, District 1, respecting Appeal of Denial of Application for a Boulevard Café - 1150 Queen Street West, Beaconsfield Avenue Flank. The Toronto Community Council deferred consideration of the report until its meeting to be held on February 15, 2000 and requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to report at that time on the condition of the two City owned trees at the site.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

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

Recommendations:

It is recommended that: the city owned trees be protected according to the City's Specifications for Construction Near Trees.

Background:

The trees in question are three Norway Maples in sidewalk inserts, in fair condition, ranging from 20 cm diameter to 33 cm diameter, valued at $5372.04 and do not qualify for routine removal at this time.

Comments:

In May 1999 a forestry inspector inspected the trees at this location and found that they had been illegally pruned up to approximately six metres. Upon investigation, it was determined that the trees had been pruned, without the City's consent, by the Stardust Restaurant in anticipation of installing a boulevard café. The trees are disfigured but remain viable to maintain.

The trees are situated on the Beaconsfield flankage and are within three metres of the building at 1150 Queen Street West.

Conclusions:

Because these are healthy trees in fair condition, any installation of a boulevard café at this location should be subject to all the standard conditions for protection of city-owned trees in accordance with the City's Specifications for Construction Near Trees.

Contact:

Vicky McGrath

Supervisor Urban Forestry Planning & Protection, South

Telephone: 392-7390

Facsimile: 392-1915

e-mail: vmcgrat@toronto.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture & Tourism Department