43 Blair Athol Crescent - Request by Residents for Assistance

in Planting a Cedar Hedge for Noise Pollution Control

 The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (May 6, 1998) from the Commissioner of Works, Etobicoke District:

 Purpose:

To provide Community Council with further information respecting a request from the owners of 43 Blair Athol Crescent for financial assistance, or alternatively, a donation in kind toward a cedar hedge in front of their fence along Kipling Avenue.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the City not provide financial assistance or a donation in kind toward a cedar hedge at 43 Blair Athol Crescent; and

(2)a copy of this report be forwarded to Mr. and Mrs. Anton Tucker, owners of the above-noted property.

Council Reference/Background:

At its meeting of April 1, 1998, Community Council received a report from Works and Emergency Services (Transportation and Engineering Planning), as well as Parks and Recreation Services (Forestry and Horticulture), respecting a request from the owners of 43 Blair Athol Crescent (Attachments Nos. 1a and 1b). Community Council received both reports and requested the Works and Emergency Services Department, Transportation and Engineering Planning Division, to submit a further report for its meeting of May 6, 1998.

Comments:

Streetscape management for Kipling Avenue is under the jurisdiction of the former Metro Transportation Department, Streetscape Division. Staff from this department has advised that private plantings on City property require a Streetscape Permit, which can be obtained from the Road Allowance Control Section. Once an application is received, it is circulated to various departments for comment. A permit, which will include a caveat for continued maintenance, is issued upon approval. The cost for the permit is $214 (includes GST). The Road Allowance Control Section has confirmed that a permit application has not been received from Mr. or Mrs. Tucker at 43 Blair Athol Crescent.

Although the City is not in a position to provide financial assistance or a donation in kind, there may be other sources available.

1.The Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests Program (LEAF) is a project designed to enhance public awareness on the value of our urban forest and its contribution to the economic and environmental well-being of our communities. Further details on the organization are provided in Attachment No. 2. This group can be contacted at 413-9244. (The LEAF program is at capacity for its 1998 program, however, there may be opportunities in 1999.)

2.Canada Trust Friends of the Environment (information available at any local branch).

3.Local naturalist groups (e.g., West Humber Naturalist Group).

It is not the policy of the City to liaise with these groups regarding their activities. However, should Mr. and Mrs. Tucker decide to pursue alternative opportunities, these sources may be of assistance to them.

Conclusions:

Although the City is sympathetic to the noise and air pollution problems associated with residing along a major transportation corridor, it is inappropriate to provide financial assistance, or alternatively a donation in kind, as this implies ownership of the problem and establishes a precedent for future claims against the City. It is recommended that the owners of 43 Blair Athol Crescent explore other opportunities in their effort to secure plantings along their fence line adjacent to Kipling Avenue Boulevard.

Contact Name:

Judy Dunstan, MCIP, Special Projects Co-ordinator

(416) 394-8408; Fax: (416) 394-8942.

(Copies of Attachment Nos. 1-2, referred to in the foregoing report were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Etobicoke Community Council meeting of May 6, 1998, and copies thereof are on file in the office of the City Clerk.)