Tree Removal - 123 Sheldrake Boulevard (North Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that City Council refuse to issue a permit for tree removal at 123 Sheldrake Boulevard.

The following motion, placed by Councillor Walker, was lost on the following division of votes:

"That City Council issue a permit for tree removal at 123 Sheldrake Boulevard, conditional on the applicant agreeing to plant a replacement tree to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture & Tourism."

Yeas:Councillors Disero, Jakobek and Walker - 3

Nays:Councillors Rae, Bossons, Bussin, Chow, McConnell, Pantalone and Silva - 7

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (November 25, 1998) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture & Tourism:

Purpose:

An application for a permit to remove one tree on private property to provide more sunlight to a proposed deck and flower gardens has been filed by Mr. David Streight Milne, 123 Sheldrake Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M4P 281, owner of 123 Sheldrake Boulevard.

Financial Implications:

N/A

Recommendations:

Either 1, or 2 below

(1)refuse to issue a permit for tree removal;

(2)issue a permit for tree removal conditional on the applicant agreeing to plant a replacement tree to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture & Tourism.

Comments:

The tree in question is a sixty-five centimetre diameter American elm in fair condition. The elm tree is located along the west property line and the crown of the tree would provide shading from the afternoon sun to the proposed deck. The rear yard of the property is quite large and can accommodate plant material that requires direct sunlight and shade tolerant plant material under the canopy of the elm tree. The native elm tree is a rare and significant species in Toronto's urban forest and every effort should be made to incorporate this specimen into landscape plans.

A notice of application sign was posted on the property for the required 14 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.

Contact Name:

Andrew Pickett

Telephone:(416) 392-6644

Facsimile:(416) 392-6657

e-mail:apickett@city.toronto.on.ca

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The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having also had before it during consideration of the foregoing matter, a communication (undated) from Mr. Robert Johnston, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.