STAFF REPORT

January 25, 2000

To: Toronto Community Council

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development Culture and Tourism

Subject: 300 Campbell Avenue - Request to Remove City-owned Tree

Davenport

Purpose:

An application has been received from Mr. Samuel Shainhouse of Campbell Dupont Realty, 300 Campbell Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6P 3V6, for City Council to consider the removal of one City-owned tree located at the above-noted address. The tree is obstructing the applicant's sign which is affixed to the building and the applicant wishes to remove the tree in order to allow better visual access to the sign. A copy of the applicant's request is attached (Attachment No. 1).

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

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

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the removal of the City-owned tree be denied.

Background:

The tree in question is a 42 cm diameter Linden in good condition and does not qualify for routine removal at this time. Originally, Mr. Shainhouse had requested that the tree be topped to allow visual access to the sign; however, this Department does not prune for sign clearance, as this is not good arboricultural practice. As the tree is healthy and vigorous, Mr. Shainhouse was advised that the tree did not require routine removal. If Council should approve the removal of the tree, it should be conditional upon the applicant paying all costs related to the value of the tree and the associated removal and replacement costs for a total of $2882.47.

Conclusions:

Because this is a healthy tree in a vigorous state of growth, this Department is opposed to the removal. Removal, or drastic pruning, of trees for the purposes of clearing signs could set an undesirable precedent, potentially resulting in the removal of thousands of trees across the city.

Contact:

Vicky McGrath

Supervisor, Urban Forestry Planning and Protection

Telephone: 392-7390

Facsimile: 392-1915

e-mail: vmcgrat@toronto.ca

Joe Halstead,

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

List of Attachments:

Attachment No. 1 - Letter requesting removal of city tree from Mr. Shainhouse.