Tree Removal - 1241 St. Clair Avenue West (Davenport)

 The Toronto Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (April 22, 1998) from the Director of Development and Support, Toronto Parks and Recreation:

 Purpose:

 An application has been received from Mr. Romano Sironi, The New Toronto Hydro - Electric Commission, 500 Commissioners Street, Toronto, M4M 3N7, for City Council to consider removal of a City owned Honeylocust tree.

 Recommendation:

 That tree removal be conditional on the applicant paying all costs, a total of $1,553.71, and that such funds be used by Forestry Services for tree maintenance.

 Comments:

 Mr. Sironi reports that the Honeylocust tree is in direct conflict with a proposed transformer vault to be installed on the southwest corner of Via Italia and St. Clair Avenue West. An alternative site for the transformer at the southeast corner of Via Italia and St. Clair Avenue West was discussed with Toronto Hydro representatives. However, as outlined in appendix A, Hydro reports that this option would cost approximately $61,000.00 extra.

 The tree in question is an 18 cm diameter honeylocust which is located on Via Italia. The tree stands in good condition and is valued at $162.78. Due to the size and condition of this tree, it cannot be successfully relocated to another location. The costs to remove the tree is $132.40.

 Since installation of a transformer would result in permanent elimination of a planting site, I recommend that if Council approves removal of this tree, such approval be conditional on the applicant paying all costs, a total of $1,553.71, and that such funds be used by Forestry Services for tree maintenance.

 (A copy of Appendix A referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members of the Toronto Community Council with the agenda for its meeting on May 6 and 7, 1998, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk).