Tree Removal - 314/316 Avenue Road
(Midtown)
The Toronto Community Council recommends that a permit for tree removal
at 314/316 Avenue Road be refused.
The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (January
4, 2000) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and
Tourism:
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
_________
The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of
Council, having also had before it during consideration of the
foregoing matter, the following communications, and a copy thereof
is on file in the office of the City Clerk:
- (January 13, 2000) from Kemeel Azan; and
- (January 14, 2000) from Ms. Madge Azan.
_________
Ms. Enza Schembre, Acme Environmentals Landscape Design, appeared before the
Toronto Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter: